tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70803344106964549232018-11-02T04:13:26.556-05:00Henslee Farm AdventuresAdventures in self-sufficiency and simple livingHolli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-27207117497611944552017-10-11T07:00:00.000-05:002017-10-11T07:00:25.946-05:00The Chelsea: Sewing Pants From My Past<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />I am so excited to be a part of The Chelsea Blog Tour today!<br /><br />Have you ever had a piece of clothing that you absolutely loved?&nbsp; A special dress, or skirt, or pair of pants that you just wore all the time because not only did you love the way they felt, but you loved how you looked in them?<br /><br />I used to have a pair of pants back in the 90s that I loved, but it wasn't love at first site.&nbsp; I bought them (yes bought - I wasn't sewing at that time in my life), to wear around the house.&nbsp; They were made of black knit material, had this seam down the front, and a flared leg.&nbsp; One day I got brave and wore them to work.&nbsp; I actually felt guilty about wearing them to work because they were knit!&nbsp; You didn't wear knit pants to work, at least not back then, and not in my mind.&nbsp; But I started styling them with cute blouses and even cuter boots and they very soon became a staple piece in my work wardrobe and in my date night wardrobe as well.<br /><br />In fact, I ended up wearing them so often that they became threadbare.&nbsp; I actually wore holes in them and I have never done that with any clothing I have had.&nbsp; I had to eventually throw them out.&nbsp; But because I loved them so much, I started looking for another pair. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEyY742dmyA/WdTu-jtLg8I/AAAAAAAAGGg/SGHHwAj5-bMNGAVvozGDpGDb7eBxlOQzQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Relaxed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1249" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEyY742dmyA/WdTu-jtLg8I/AAAAAAAAGGg/SGHHwAj5-bMNGAVvozGDpGDb7eBxlOQzQCEwYBhgL/s640/Relaxed-1.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><br />Fast forward 20 years (YIKES! 20 years!), and I finally gave in to my sewing obsession.&nbsp; I love sewing for my family and me. I love how I can make clothes that not only fit much better than any ready to wear items, but that are also a higher quality.&nbsp; I have become a follower of a couple of sewing groups on Facebook and that is where I saw a post from <a href="https://greenstylecreations.com/" target="_blank">Greenstyle Creations</a> that was calling for testers for a new pattern for pants.&nbsp; You can't believe my surprise when the picture of the pants was almost the exact same pair of pants that I had and loved 20 years ago! I had always been in search of a pair of pants just like the one I had, but never found any like them. I immediately signed up to be a tester and was so excited when I found out I was chosen!<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dT7cE1VXUCo/WdTu9Iav15I/AAAAAAAAGGg/CPylOKfoBjIoKQoCQdTu0q8KoLR-riTsgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Field%2BPose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dT7cE1VXUCo/WdTu9Iav15I/AAAAAAAAGGg/CPylOKfoBjIoKQoCQdTu0q8KoLR-riTsgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Field%2BPose1.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My third pair. &nbsp;I love this fabric!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Even though I have been sewing (this time around) for about a year I still felt a little nervous being a tester for this pattern.&nbsp; I was worried at first if I would even be able to sew these pants.&nbsp; In my mind I could never do these wonderful pants justice. I also thought I would never be able to get that seam down the front to look good.&nbsp; I was pleasantly surprised to find out how easy this pattern really is to sew.&nbsp; And the front seam was not an issue at all.&nbsp; I don't have a coverstitch machine, so I just lengthened my stitch and top-stitched down the front.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIYXO90MdeI/WdTu97CiShI/AAAAAAAAGGg/cakKHzifBSM74hpwC3MW0fARAtyu6t9BwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Front%2Bseam-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIYXO90MdeI/WdTu97CiShI/AAAAAAAAGGg/cakKHzifBSM74hpwC3MW0fARAtyu6t9BwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Front%2Bseam-1.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the detail of the front seam!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So here are my tips when sewing these pants:<br /><br /><b>Fabric is the Name of the Game!</b><br />Different fabrics will give this pant a different look.&nbsp; The pattern calls for a stable knit.&nbsp; The reason is so you can see that bell bottom at the end of the pant.&nbsp; However you can use a DBP for a more relaxed version. It will still have a flare, it just won't stand out. &nbsp;When I made my three different pairs, I went with a more stable version in fabrics that were recommended.&nbsp; However between those three there are differences in how the pants look.&nbsp; My first pair used fabric that was very heavy (and also was very hard to sew), my second pair used a ponte, but not with as much stability as the first, and my third used a ponte but it was flocked making it heavier and more stable than the second pair, but not quite as much as the first.&nbsp; All three pairs turned out great and all three will be worn.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbDcQ1jsolM/Wd1fLvHigNI/AAAAAAAAGKo/GzHLGeR8ScIqjBKzaRtXOF3IJ8EngzKHACLcBGAs/s1600/Second%2BPair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="909" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbDcQ1jsolM/Wd1fLvHigNI/AAAAAAAAGKo/GzHLGeR8ScIqjBKzaRtXOF3IJ8EngzKHACLcBGAs/s640/Second%2BPair.jpg" width="362" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My second pair I made. I love wearing these to work!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><b>Don't Stress Over the Pockets.</b><br />When testing started, there were not pockets on the pants, but they were very quickly added to the pants.&nbsp; The pockets were something that I loved and desperately wanted, but I was questioning my ability.&nbsp; I made the pockets on the first pair and they actually turned out pretty good.&nbsp; However the pockets on my second pair of pants didn't turn out as well.&nbsp; On the third pair, I decided to leave the pockets off, but mainly because of the type of fabric I was using.&nbsp; That flocking just doesn't lend itself to being able to sew through multiple layers of fabric. The point is to try it and see how the pockets go.&nbsp; They look fabulous and they are a great feature to have.&nbsp; If you don't do so well the first time, then try again.<br /><br /><b>The Flare is Not As Big As You Think.</b><br />While I love the flare, I was worried how it might look on me.&nbsp; Yes, they mimicked the pair I had in the 90s, but back then bell bottoms were all the rage.&nbsp; Here we are right smack dab in the middle of the skinny jeans fad. My daughter Carly called my first pair of Chelseas my "Elvis pants" and you know what, when I had those babies on, I had an attitude.&nbsp; Even nuking my coffee seemed more hip with those pants.&nbsp; Carly may call them "Elvis pants" but I like to call them my sassy pants! I actually loved the flare.&nbsp; They were so flattering because instead of looking like an ice cream cone, it evened out my shape.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HPFEt2zqVc/Wd1fL_3YVRI/AAAAAAAAGKs/CYeVg8Iq-yYZjwhyzQg_okHGPWXqHHfMQCLcBGAs/s1600/First%2BPair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HPFEt2zqVc/Wd1fL_3YVRI/AAAAAAAAGKs/CYeVg8Iq-yYZjwhyzQg_okHGPWXqHHfMQCLcBGAs/s640/First%2BPair.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are my Elvis pants! &nbsp;I didn't think I would like my first pair, but I now love them!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b> </b><br /><b>And Most Important:&nbsp; If You Haven't Tried Them Yet, You Need To!</b><br />These pants are amazing! &nbsp;They are flattering on all body types! There were all sizes testing this pattern, and I did not see one person that these didn't look great on. &nbsp;And of course I love how easy they are to assemble and sew. &nbsp;I see a few more pair in my future...like a stretch denim and a corduroy.&nbsp;<b></b><br /><br />So here is some exciting news!! &nbsp;Along with this blog tour there is a giveaway! &nbsp;The first giveaway is The Chelsea pattern, and the second giveaway is stretch denim from Aurora Design Fabrics. &nbsp;Be sure and enter below!<br />&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="049825553" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/049825553/" id="rcwidget_5jlteurc" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script> <br /><h2>Chelsea Pants Blog Tour</h2><div><strong>Monday, October 9, 2017</strong></div><div><a href="https://www.sewingwithsarah.com/greenstyle-creations/chelsea-pants-blog-tour-skinnies/" target="_blank">Sewing With Sarah</a></div><div></div><div><strong>Tuesday, October 10, 2017</strong></div><div><a href="https://greenstylecreations.com/blogs/news/greenstyle-chelsea-pants-blog-tour-day-2-fabric-and-fun-tools" target="_blank">Greenstyle Creations</a></div><div></div><div><strong>Wednesday, October 11, 2017</strong></div><div><a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2017/10/the-chelsea-sewing-pants-from-my-past.html" target="_blank">HensleeFarmAdventures</a></div><div><a href="https://www.auroradesignfabrics.com/blog/news/chelsea-pants-in-stretch-denim-are-life" target="_blank">Aurora Designs Blog</a></div><div></div><div><strong>Thursday, October 12, 2017</strong></div><div><a href="https://craftymommadrama.blog/?p=1002" target="_blank">Crafty Momma Drama</a></div><div></div><div><strong>Friday, October 13, 2017</strong></div><div><a href="https://onwednesdayswesew.com/2017/10/07/peek-a-boo" target="_blank">On Wednesdays We Sew</a></div><div><a href="https://diskordiascurvysewing.blog/2017/10/14/chelsea-blog-tour/" target="_blank">Diskordia's Curvy Sewing</a></div><div></div>​ </div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-85152049440246107842017-10-09T09:16:00.001-05:002017-10-09T09:16:37.575-05:00Homemade Applesauce!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This summer has been crazy!&nbsp; Wait, it's fall?&nbsp; Already?&nbsp; In fact it's October you say? I can't believe how fast this year is flying by. Actually fall is my favorite season, all pumpkin spice and everything nice.&nbsp; At least it is my favorite until spring comes along then spring is my favorite season, everything new again and flowers blooming, gardens being planted.&nbsp; Ah, yes, I'm a fickle one.<br /><br />But back to fall.&nbsp; What could be more fall-like than warm comfort foods and spices in the air?&nbsp; Baking and cooking, now that it is cooler weather is something that I love to do, and one of my favorite things to make during the fall is applesauce.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K60Abhd0e6w/WdVG-_P_MpI/AAAAAAAAGG8/J22SpFzRrJES0QmYHbs5XEq-NnwI82V6wCLcBGAs/s1600/Applesauce%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K60Abhd0e6w/WdVG-_P_MpI/AAAAAAAAGG8/J22SpFzRrJES0QmYHbs5XEq-NnwI82V6wCLcBGAs/s640/Applesauce%2BTitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Applesauce has to be one of the easiest things you can make.&nbsp; There are only two ingredients you need; apples and a little water.&nbsp; Of course you can always add in cinnamon to spice things up (we always do) or even apple pie spice.&nbsp; And if you want to give it a deeper flavor, you can add in apple cider instead of the water.<br /><br />The most important thing to do however is to start with good quality apples.&nbsp; This is really what makes the applesauce.&nbsp; Growing up my parents had several apple trees.&nbsp; The one that they always used for making stewed apples (a chunkier version of applesauce), apple butter, and apple pie filling was a variety called Grimes Golden.&nbsp; It cooked up beautifully, was sweet without needing much, if any, sugar added and it didn't have a mealy texture.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoFMmAEC2ZM/WdVG-91fSAI/AAAAAAAAGHA/fXmokU4KbdMep-dI_1Pu1RhzVHZPoYCtACEwYBhgL/s1600/apple%2Bblossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoFMmAEC2ZM/WdVG-91fSAI/AAAAAAAAGHA/fXmokU4KbdMep-dI_1Pu1RhzVHZPoYCtACEwYBhgL/s640/apple%2Bblossoms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooms on one of our apple trees</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Never heard of this apple?&nbsp; Well I am not surprised, and if you have, then you rock! You really can't find this apple in stores today.&nbsp; It is an heirloom variety and was first introduced in the 1830s.&nbsp; It is considered a "parent" of the Golden Delicious apple among many other apples that are popular today.<br /><br />Ok, enough of the history lesson!<br /><br />To make homemade applesauce, first use apples that are good for cooking, and are on the sweet side.&nbsp; If you use Granny Smith (which it is perfectly acceptable to do), then you will need some sugar added.&nbsp; I prefer not to add any sugar.&nbsp; Good varieties to use are: Golden Delicious, Fuji, and McIntosh.&nbsp; These aren't the only ones you can use, but I wanted to list just a few that are readily available in the stores.&nbsp; You can use just about any apple, just be cautious however, because apples like Red Delicious can be mealy in their texture and aren't the best for cooking.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epc4jzp9Kuo/WdVG_S9XpaI/AAAAAAAAGHM/AcIJiztP8DcWJB0v6RIydhrTIY3BfacrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/apple%2Bslices%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epc4jzp9Kuo/WdVG_S9XpaI/AAAAAAAAGHM/AcIJiztP8DcWJB0v6RIydhrTIY3BfacrgCEwYBhgL/s640/apple%2Bslices%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peeled and cored apples ready to be cooked</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Once you have your apples, you will need to start peeling and coring all the apples.&nbsp; It is best to purchase a peeler, especially if you want to continue to make applesauce, or you can do it by hand.&nbsp; Don't throw out those peels and cores!&nbsp; You can save them and make some amazing apple jelly or apple syrup!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUk2iTa5134/WdVG_NeLnrI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/TPWJjsH1BbE0RCmk5VlzZnkTFF7v1hsOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/apple%2Bpeelings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUk2iTa5134/WdVG_NeLnrI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/TPWJjsH1BbE0RCmk5VlzZnkTFF7v1hsOgCEwYBhgL/s640/apple%2Bpeelings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple peels and cores that will become jelly</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Put your peeled and cored apples in a big pot, a stock pot is perfect for this!&nbsp; Add a little water, or apple cider.&nbsp; Depending on how many apples, you can use 1 cup to 2 cups. For the 1/2 bushel I was cooking, I used 2 cups.&nbsp; You don't need a lot of liquid as the apples will cook down, you just need something to keep them from burning on the bottom.&nbsp; Put the heat on low to medium low and let them cook, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on them and if you need to add more liquid, you can.<br /><br />Once they have cooked down to the consistency that you like add in any spices that you wish.&nbsp; We love cinnamon in ours.&nbsp; You can also have your apples go au natural if you choose.&nbsp; We also love to leave our applesauce a little chunky.&nbsp; If you want a smooth consistency, you can use an immersion blender, or use a regular blender, just do it in batches.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIeCYfMOdcs/WdVG-p7v2AI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/S6MV4UirdwYeC6d5zmiTXsYeIBzvjW2_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Applesauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIeCYfMOdcs/WdVG-p7v2AI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/S6MV4UirdwYeC6d5zmiTXsYeIBzvjW2_ACEwYBhgL/s640/Applesauce.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade applesauce, looks so good!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />After it is all cooked down and to the consistency you like, you can preserve them by canning them, which is what we do. You can also let the applesauce cool and then put them in freezer safe containers to freeze. Or the best option you can eat it immediately!&nbsp; If you decide to can them, you can do this using a water bath. &nbsp;Just be sure and follow safe canning procedures.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAi9CbMBsCs/WdVG_630VLI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/sUnJsfrBjO4W0xzzL7Rl1MujsM1HmbMagCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cans%2Bprocessing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAi9CbMBsCs/WdVG_630VLI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/sUnJsfrBjO4W0xzzL7Rl1MujsM1HmbMagCPcBGAYYCw/s640/cans%2Bprocessing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pint jars just going into a waterbath</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />There is absolutely nothing better than homemade applesauce. &nbsp;If you have never made anything from scratch, this is one of the easiest recipes you can start with. &nbsp;And I guarantee, once you start making your own, you will never want to buy pre-made again.<br /><br />Let me know in the comments below if you have ever made homemade applesauce, and if you have, let me know how you make yours.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; </div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-75837997155362641242017-02-15T10:16:00.000-06:002017-02-15T10:49:15.390-06:00The Problem with Valentine's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I humbly bring you this post, the day after Valentine's day to address something that has been weighing on my mind. And I also want to speak to the women out there that are degrading all the men that have chosen not to buy into the commercialization of Valentine's day.<br /><br />I first want to say that I am a romantic type of girl. I love getting flowers and chocolates and being taken out for a nice dinner. I love spending time with my husband and going on dates with him. I say that because I don't want you to get me wrong when you read what I have written. &nbsp;I am not against the idea of Valentine's day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQUd5z_JZzY/WKR1ba0y8bI/AAAAAAAADcA/dgznROHmwDwUK8sSWhVrgPLSFKN4jorWwCEw/s1600/valentine-s-day-little-boy-snow-winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQUd5z_JZzY/WKR1ba0y8bI/AAAAAAAADcA/dgznROHmwDwUK8sSWhVrgPLSFKN4jorWwCEw/s640/valentine-s-day-little-boy-snow-winter.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />However, I think that Valentine's day has become overrated and too commercialized. It has now become a competition with who gets the most flowers, or the finest chocolates. &nbsp;For our kids, it is who can create the most extreme Valentine box for the school party, or who gets flowers, balloons, and/or candy bouquets when they are in the 1st grade!<br /><br />When I went to my daughter's school yesterday, I was shocked at all the bouquets of flowers, balloons, candy, and stuffed animals that were there waiting for the child to whom they were sent to be picked up. I just thought to myself, what has this day become? <br /><br />When I was in school, we made our Valentine card holder in art class, and it was usually made out of construction paper, was almost always in the shape of a heart, and just big enough to hold the small paper Valentine's that we would bring for each other. And what about candy? Well, that was usually given to us by our teacher...in fact 9 times out of 10 it would be a box of conversation hearts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lllkSO0_Uc/WKR5evmGx3I/AAAAAAAADcE/4ScVFDgdseUE6rwcN9PRY0N7eMxWrLfUwCLcB/s1600/conversation%2Bhearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lllkSO0_Uc/WKR5evmGx3I/AAAAAAAADcE/4ScVFDgdseUE6rwcN9PRY0N7eMxWrLfUwCLcB/s640/conversation%2Bhearts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />As a child, I never received anything else. I didn't need to receive anything else. Parents' giving their children these ornate bouquets of flowers, candy, and soda are setting them up for a lifetime of expectation that will inevitably one day let them down. (Not to mention starting them on a road to poor health).<br /><br />But what I really want to address is the fact that I have seen women take men to task because they do not want to get their wives or girlfriends something on Valentine's day. In fact I have seen these men berated in front of others because of this. Really? Did these women ever once ask why these men did not want to get something? Do you think it might be because the money needs to go to groceries rather than flowers? Or perhaps he is saving up to buy something bigger for her birthday or Christmas. In fact there are some that are more than likely still paying off Christmas bills.<br /><br /><b>Have you ever asked yourself if it is really that important for men to give gifts on Valentine's Day?</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SiAsBRWHr40/WKR1a5g-GoI/AAAAAAAADb4/uW-Qxfu5Mo828EhMz3buCDNuC7bPaT1dACEw/s1600/Rose%2Bin%2Bhand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SiAsBRWHr40/WKR1a5g-GoI/AAAAAAAADb4/uW-Qxfu5Mo828EhMz3buCDNuC7bPaT1dACEw/s640/Rose%2Bin%2Bhand.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b>And what about women? &nbsp;Why is all the blame laid upon men? &nbsp;Don't men deserve to receive a Valentine's gift? If we are going to force men to give a gift, then shouldn't it be reciprocal? In fact this isn't supposed to be a day <i>just for women</i>. This is a day to show your love for one another, so...<br /><br />Here is my answer: <b>Valentine's day should be about love and mutual respect for one another.</b><br /><b><br /></b>This year is the first in the 15 years that my husband and I have been together (3 dating, 12 married) that he did <i>not</i> give me a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates on Valentine's day. &nbsp;In fact I didn't even get a card from him! How horrible is that, right? Wrong. My husband works hard every day of the year to show me his love. &nbsp;He does this by helping me with the housework. In fact, he is a much better cleaner than I am. He helps with the kids without my prodding. He listens to me when I need to vent. He holds me when I am feeling blue. And he makes me laugh when I desperately need a good laugh.<br /><br /><b>My husband shows me love <i>every day</i> of the year, not just on Valentine's day.</b><br /><b><br /></b>I tried to tell him this, to say that this was more important than gifts, but he kept saying, but..but..<br /><br />No, I said. I would rather have a husband that shows me respect and love everyday of the year, than a husband who gives me flowers on Valentine's day <i>out of obligation</i>.<br /><br />Women...when you start hounding men about not buying gifts on Valentine's day, stop and ask them how they treat their women the rest of the year. And women, start asking yourselves how you treat your men every day of the year. If you are berating each other into buying flowers and chocolate out of obligation, then the gesture doesn't mean jack!<br /><br />So how did I celebrate Valentine's day? On the Friday before, I volunteered at my son's school for their Valentine fest, I ate lunch with him. <b>I spent time with him.</b> On Valentine's day, I ate lunch with my daughter at school, and I went to her Valentine's party. <b>I spent time with her.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />That evening, I cooked a special meal, and made homemade brownies in a shape of a heart. I loved on my family and <b>I spent time with them.</b><br /><b><br /></b>And how did my husband celebrate Valentine's day? By showing me love in all that he does. Every. Single. Day.<br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-46920018867073470132017-01-18T10:36:00.002-06:002017-01-18T10:36:56.416-06:00A Month of No Groceries: Week 2 Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr">Have you ever heard the term "a day late and a dollar short"? Well that is where I am with this post. Actually I am two days late. So does that mean I am two dollars short? Whatever it means, I am glad to finally give you an update on week 2.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LjDDqGQXQgw/WH-RCbPCXrI/AAAAAAAADSA/kdMcRmIE3CMJ6gU3NroO2EIDvHYDHk3UgCEw/s1600/Week%2B2%2B2017%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LjDDqGQXQgw/WH-RCbPCXrI/AAAAAAAADSA/kdMcRmIE3CMJ6gU3NroO2EIDvHYDHk3UgCEw/s640/Week%2B2%2B2017%2BTitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">This week didn't go as well as I had hoped. The first half of the week went great. No groceries were purchased and everything I cooked was food from our pantry and freezer. &nbsp;I was really on a roll, and I was already thinking about all the great things I was going to tell you. I was going to say things like, how good it felt to stick to our plan, how easy it was to "shop" from our own pantry and freezer, how fun it was making meals that the whole family loved, and how I was up for mother of the year...</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Then Wednesday hit, and two things happened; an impending ice storm was scheduled to hit our area on Friday, and my sister and I had to take our mother to the emergency room. My mom is fine, but we spent the entire day at the hospital. That meant there was no cooking that day. And in the back of my head, all I could think about was what if the ice storm coming our way knocked out power? Do we have food that we can easily cook on a camp stove? How will we get water?</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNqQLFpqHMc/WH-RCOS6w-I/AAAAAAAADSU/OjdS5VZAyRUBqnBU2b63Obe3xqpajN9SwCEw/s1600/Donut%2Bmuffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNqQLFpqHMc/WH-RCOS6w-I/AAAAAAAADSU/OjdS5VZAyRUBqnBU2b63Obe3xqpajN9SwCEw/s640/Donut%2Bmuffins.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old-fashioned donut muffins. &nbsp;A treat I baked on the week-end.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">So on the way home from the hospital, my sister and I stopped at Aldi. I love shopping at Aldi! I love the variety and I love the prices. I swear I was only going in to buy some bottled water. I don't normally buy bottled water, but with the threat of the ice storm, there was a chance of losing power. If we lose power, then we have no water (our water comes from our well that uses electricity to pump it).&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Once I walked in the door of Aldi, I was a monster! A grocery shopping, I need one of everything, monster! I did get bottled water, but I also got crackers, and cereal, and milk, and bread, and lettuce, and bananas...lots of bananas. They were only 29¢ a pound! And I know there was more than that, because I ended up spending $45.00. Oh, and I bought one of their pre-made pizzas because by the time I got home I knew it was going to be late, and I knew I wouldn't feel like cooking. Convenience food here I come!&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfX8aDk3yKY/WH-RCYmk7-I/AAAAAAAADSU/F_3mEqekqnYGBDzqpChSyqrK5pN4zBMNACEw/s1600/Tortillas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfX8aDk3yKY/WH-RCYmk7-I/AAAAAAAADSU/F_3mEqekqnYGBDzqpChSyqrK5pN4zBMNACEw/s640/Tortillas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade tortillas...right next to my favorite coffee mug.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">The very next day, I was back on track and back to my regular self. It is amazing how when life get's you off your regular path, all other things can break down. While planning can help, it is planning for the unpredictable that can really keep you on track.&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">So my meals this week weren't too bad. Here is what we ate:</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Monday:</b>&nbsp;<i>Mexican meal</i></div><div dir="ltr"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr">I really don't know what to call this. I used the hamburger meat that I had cooked extra of when I was fixing our lasagna during week 1. I then added spanish rice, corn, and a can of rotel. I made some homemade tortillas and added in some sour cream and cheese and this was our meal for the evening.<i>&nbsp;</i></div><div dir="ltr"><i><br /></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeFe_Xp1DYc/WH-RCEhYRAI/AAAAAAAADSU/Qd5LRuI3BJEIIYzd-cm5_AWNsiNSHza7wCEw/s1600/Burrito%2Bmixture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeFe_Xp1DYc/WH-RCEhYRAI/AAAAAAAADSU/Qd5LRuI3BJEIIYzd-cm5_AWNsiNSHza7wCEw/s640/Burrito%2Bmixture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Mexican concoction.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Tuesday:</b><i>&nbsp;Nachos</i></div><div dir="ltr"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr">I used the leftover meat mixture from the night before and used it to make nachos. Very yummy!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Wednesday: </b><i>Pizza</i></div><div dir="ltr"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr">Of course this was the night that I didn't cook. &nbsp;I bought a premade cheese pizza from Aldi and then added pineapple chunks and ham to make a Hawaiian pizza. This is one of my favs!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Thursday: </b><i>Chicken patties, green beans, and applesauce</i></div><div dir="ltr"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr">This is definitely one of those clean out the freezer meals. I am trying to cut out as much processed foods as possible, but I had chicken patties in the freezer and decided to go ahead and use them. They are at least now out, and we won't have to buy more. :-) The green beans and applesauce were both from the pantry and both home canned.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Friday:</b><i>&nbsp;Broiled Pineapple Burgers with Aloha Salad</i></div><div dir="ltr"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr">Sometimes I like to get vintage with my cooking and I decided to get out one of my 50's cookbooks to make this meal. We had some premade burger patties in the freezer that needed to be used, however, the last time we used them they tasted horrible. Not because the meat was bad, just the flavor was bad. I thought this recipe was perfect. I was able to use my left-over pineapple from the pizza on Wednesday to top the burgers. Broiling them made them cook up quick and of course I made the "<i>spicy sauce</i>" that went with them. The <i>spicy sauce</i>&nbsp;was comprised of brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard! I'm telling you they really knew how to spice things up back in the 1950's! My aloha salad was a regular tossed salad with the pineapple chunks that were left (the ones I didn't need for the burgers). &nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o90-31Q34KA/WH-RCHGVDlI/AAAAAAAADSU/e8l3VGSjcAodyZArbPFaWtmQ_DQrH5rzwCEw/s1600/Pineapple%2Bburger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o90-31Q34KA/WH-RCHGVDlI/AAAAAAAADSU/e8l3VGSjcAodyZArbPFaWtmQ_DQrH5rzwCEw/s640/Pineapple%2Bburger.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple burgers with spicy sauce. Watch out! That sauce will getcha'</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Saturday: </b><i>Leftover night!</i></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Or clean out the fridge night as I like to call it. &nbsp;It is a great way to finish off what is left of meals and then decide if there are other meals that can be made from the leftovers of leftovers.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Sunday:</b><i><b>&nbsp;</b>Brown Beans and Ham; Cornbread</i></div><div dir="ltr"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr">I was able to use beans I had in my pantry and ham I had in my freezer to make this meal. I made the cornbread from a mix I already had. Good, old fashioned comfort food!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46Y_Oa9zDLQ/WH-RCvs2zCI/AAAAAAAADSU/-qYGmkj7RA8fkddHrquKzPmPxK4TNoe9gCEw/s1600/beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46Y_Oa9zDLQ/WH-RCvs2zCI/AAAAAAAADSU/-qYGmkj7RA8fkddHrquKzPmPxK4TNoe9gCEw/s640/beans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfort food at its finest!</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">So that was my week in a nutshell. &nbsp;(A really big nutshell)</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>How did you do? Be sure and tell me in the comments below. I love to read them!</b></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-52407366713153111972017-01-12T09:37:00.000-06:002017-01-12T09:37:36.129-06:00Why I Cook with Cast Iron and Why You Should Too<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My husband tends to give me Christmas presents that are practical. That isn't to say that I don't like them. In fact I love them! His gifts are always something that I want, and that I need. He knows my taste and knows what I will be happy with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This year one of his presents to me was a cast iron pot with a cover that doubles as a pan. I have been eyeing this for sometime, and was ecstatic when I got it! I have slowly been transitioning to cast iron over the past couple of years. The other pans I have been using are a large stainless steel that can go into the oven, and a very small ceramic pan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzX0aq8Jlpw/WHefG1jn_oI/AAAAAAAADJQ/J-qTvlsmVtArZHEcgtKhRgc6tLwue2LnACEw/s1600/Cast%2BIron%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzX0aq8Jlpw/WHefG1jn_oI/AAAAAAAADJQ/J-qTvlsmVtArZHEcgtKhRgc6tLwue2LnACEw/s640/Cast%2BIron%2BTitle.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br /><br />A couple of years ago I made the decision to toss out all my non-stick (read: Teflon) pans. I didn't like the fact that my family was ingesting the chemicals from the pans as I cooked the food, but I did love the idea of using little to no oil and having the food not stick to the pan, as well as how easy they were to clean-up. However health won out over ease of use and I decided to try stainless steel after that. The clean-up was easy enough, but the non-stick part was not there unless I used a ton of oil!&nbsp; I decided I didn't want to add that many calories to the food we ate, so I tried ceramic. It did have non-stick properties at first, but the more I used it, the more the coating started chipping off and I didn't want that in my food either. I am sure some of you would tell me that I didn't use the ceramic pan right, I probably used too high of heat, or used too abrasive of cleaners, but if there is a coating on a pan, no matter what, it will come off at some point.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>During this time, I had also started using a 12" cast iron pan. I like the idea of cooking with cast iron, and I like the benefits. It allowed iron to get into our diet in a healthy, non-toxic way. There are no chemicals on the pans, and they can last literally forever.&nbsp; But there are some tips to using them to get the most benefit out of them.<br /><br />I thought I would share with you why I am now solely using cast iron and why you should be too. I will also share with you some tips for using cast iron that gets the most benefit out of it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HljFmYyYfwM/WHefcyhv7qI/AAAAAAAADJc/jmnPUUs3O9IE9g7wlxzEvu-pyL0FtzrCACEw/s1600/Frying%2BEgg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HljFmYyYfwM/WHefcyhv7qI/AAAAAAAADJc/jmnPUUs3O9IE9g7wlxzEvu-pyL0FtzrCACEw/s640/Frying%2BEgg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, you can fry an egg in a cast iron pan and not have it stick!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><b><i>It Is Naturally Non-Stick</i></b><br />When I first started using cast iron, I would have absolutely disagreed with this statement. Yes, I was told it was non-stick, but my experience proved otherwise. What I didn't realize is that the pan must be well seasoned. Don't expect a brand new pan to be automatically non-stick. You will need to cook with it and build up the seasoning to experience it being non-stick. If the pan was pre-seasoned, then it won't take long for it to get to the non-stick stage.<br /><br /><b>Tip 1: </b>Be sure and use some type of oil when you first start cooking with a new pan, or even a newly seasoned pan.&nbsp; You will need to build up the seasoning of the pan and therefore its non-stick quality.<br /><br /><b>Tip 2: </b>Keeping the temperature at a lower setting on your stove will also help keep food from getting too hot and burning/sticking to the pan.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaXvaJ4OsDE/WHefQxSEmPI/AAAAAAAADJY/2xfd2rfkQIYHtI5rYRBwSy-JxGsWp5rvwCEw/s1600/Frying%2BPan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaXvaJ4OsDE/WHefQxSEmPI/AAAAAAAADJY/2xfd2rfkQIYHtI5rYRBwSy-JxGsWp5rvwCEw/s640/Frying%2BPan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lid to the pot, which flipped upside down (as pictures) is now a frying pan!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><b><i> </i></b><br /><b><i>It Adds Iron to Your Food</i></b><br />As I mentioned earlier, cast iron will naturally add iron to the foods that you cook in the pan. There are many people that are not getting an iron rich diet (think red meat, dark leafy greens, beans).&nbsp; Not having enough iron in your diet can lead to anemia. While taking a supplement can help, the best way to get nutrients and minerals is through your food. And to think this pan helps with that!&nbsp; If you are on the anemic side, don't think that you can immediately start cooking with cast iron and stop your supplements, it doesn't quite work that fast. You will need to cook with cast iron on a regular basis to see the benefits of the iron.<br /><br /><i><b>Cooks Somewhat Evenly and Retains Heat</b></i><br />I think this is probably my favorite benefit of cast iron. The pans I have used in the past (stainless steel, ceramic, non-stick) have had hot spots and cold spots. I do not have the luxury of having a gas stove and having control over the heat of the burner. With cast iron, I have experienced very few hot and cold spots, once it heats up, it is an even heat. What I have found with my electric stove is that I never want to raise the temperature of the burner more than medium. Once the pan is hot, it stays hot for quite awhile.<br /><br /><b>Tip 3:</b> Be sure and preheat your pan! This really is a must to have even heating. I always put my pan on the burner and turn the burner to Medium (remember I have an electric stove). Once it is heated up (drop some water in the pan and if it sizzles and dances, it's ready) you can add your food (oil of your choice if you need it.) <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0TVQI4bAJM/WHegujRbF5I/AAAAAAAADJk/-yxHl3rGIzQOGFBAN0u6u_mEaB5OjHNagCLcB/s1600/Pot%2Band%2Bpan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0TVQI4bAJM/WHegujRbF5I/AAAAAAAADJk/-yxHl3rGIzQOGFBAN0u6u_mEaB5OjHNagCLcB/s640/Pot%2Band%2Bpan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Christmas present this year, and it is fast becoming one of my favorites!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><i><b>It is Easy to Clean</b></i><br />Ok, you might disagree with me on this, but I have learned the secret to cleaning cast iron. Clean it while it is still hot. Remove the food and add a little water to the pan. Using a soft cloth (I love using the dish cloths that I have crocheted), clean off the food residue. You will not need soap this way, I promise you. Soap can take the seasoning off of the pan. Be sure and dry the pan with a clean soft cloth (lint free) and then I reseason mine. To do this, I add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the still warm pan and rub the oil all over. I then sit it back on the stove&nbsp; for the oil to absorb into the pan. If you need to season a pan from scratch, this is not the way to do it.<br /><br /><b>Tip 4:</b> Do not over oil your pan to season it. If you put too much oil on your pan, you will end up with a sticky gooey mess. Don't worry if this has already happened, you can always scrap it off and reason your pan.<br /><br /><b><i> </i></b><br /><b><i><b><i>You CAN Use a Metal Spatula (and you should!)</i></b></i></b><br />On one of my YouTube videos I show how we cook cowboy stew over an open fire in our dutch oven. One of the things that I used was a metal spatula to first cook the hamburger. I immediately received a comment that I shouldn't be using metal. Guess what? You DO want to use metal with cast iron. When you first purchase cast iron pans, they can be bumpy or have an uneven surface. The use of metal on them hones down the cast iron over time and makes it smooth, which helps with the non-stick process and cleaning process.<br /><br /><b>Tip 5: </b>You do NOT want to use metal on an enamel clad iron pan. That will definitely scratch the surface.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yBjYqQi7ncU/VfGL_ROjq9I/AAAAAAAAA3w/Ix9bIVjyilQWHIL0h8U7Itm8HrK4V2LiwCPcB/s1600/Cheeseburger%2BSoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yBjYqQi7ncU/VfGL_ROjq9I/AAAAAAAAA3w/Ix9bIVjyilQWHIL0h8U7Itm8HrK4V2LiwCPcB/s640/Cheeseburger%2BSoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cheeseburger soup in my enamel clad dutch oven. That spoon in the pot is a ladle and was not used to cook with.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><b><i><b><i>Y</i></b>ou Can Cook on Any Cook Surface</i></b><br />These pans can be used anywhere! Electric stove, gas stove, wood stove, camp stove, open fire, you name it! So if the zombie apocalypse ever happens? Well you can bet you can still cook a fantastic meal! ;-) I have used mine on my electric stove, a camp stove, and an open fire. Nothing beats chili cooked in a dutch oven over an open fire. It is one of our favorite things to cook.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BR8TEoxzUQ/WHefNJ2aWkI/AAAAAAAADJU/jj9wuP0z8uYNvVUWaZltYSBEbKxhD4sagCEw/s1600/dutch%2Boven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BR8TEoxzUQ/WHefNJ2aWkI/AAAAAAAADJU/jj9wuP0z8uYNvVUWaZltYSBEbKxhD4sagCEw/s640/dutch%2Boven.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our dutch oven that we use when camping. We use it over an open fire, in coals, and have also used it on a camp stove.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><b><i></i></b><b><i>They Last Forever</i></b><br />This is the best part about these pans...they last forever! What I wouldn't give to have a pan that one of my grandmothers had. I have heard from other cast iron lovers that the older the cast iron, the better. There are pans out there that are over 100 years old and are still in service today. The more use they get, the better they become. Of course that is if you take care of them. And I have found that care of these pans can be easier than some of the other pans I have had in the past.<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b>Tip 6:</b> Take well care of your pan by using it as often as possible, keeping it in a dry place so it doesn't rust, seasoning it as needed, and you will have a pan that you can pass on through the generations.<br /><br /><b>Let me know in the comments below what your experience is with cast iron, and what your favorite cast iron pan is.</b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></i> </b></span></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-58351399489063020472017-01-09T09:03:00.001-06:002017-01-10T13:41:18.944-06:00A Month of No Groceries!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yes, you read that title right. We are currently in a month of buying no groceries. We did this in November of 2015 and you can read about it <a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2015/11/my-november-food-challenge.html" target="_blank">here</a>. This time, there are a couple of reasons why we are doing this. The first of course is to try and save some money in an overly tight January budget. The second reason however is more exciting. Our steers are going to be butchered in a week and we need all the freezer space we can get!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYawB6skync/WHU4pjxFGHI/AAAAAAAADGU/yd92OdWRiNYPRrQTIiSOEuWvX72ExleVwCLcB/s1600/No%2BGroceries%2B2017%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Month of No Groceries www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYawB6skync/WHU4pjxFGHI/AAAAAAAADGU/yd92OdWRiNYPRrQTIiSOEuWvX72ExleVwCLcB/s640/No%2BGroceries%2B2017%2BTitle.jpg" title="A Month of No Groceries www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />When we did this in the past, we had done it on a whim, and during November. I really didn't think it through, knowing that we would end up having to buy somethings for Thanksgiving, but we plunged forward and made it through.&nbsp; Yes, we still bought a few groceries, but not nearly as many as we would have during a regular month.<br /><br />This time around is going to be a little different. We really are under than gun to clean out some freezer space for the beef that we will soon have. Also January is always a tight month for us. There is Christmas that we just spent money on, taxes that we just paid, plus this year our Christmas present to ourselves was a little pricey...a fireplace. A gas log fireplace. It is something that we built ourselves and are so proud of. It is not quite finished yet, but when it does, I will post pictures and how we built it. We are hoping that since it is gas, it will save us money on our electric bill. So in the end, it will end up paying for itself!<br /><br />So back to the month of no groceries, I really do mean what I say. We are not going to be spending money on groceries during the month of January. Each week on Monday, I will update you all on how we did with the groceries and what I cooked using food out of our pantry and freezer.<br /><br />So for week one's update: yes we bought a few grocery items. We bought two cartons of almond milk (as soon as I get a decent blender, I will be making it myself!) and some cheese.&nbsp; We spent all of around $7 for the three items, but it should get us through the rest of the month.<br /><br />So what did I cook? Well our meals looked a little like this:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iz6c9N2piSs/WHOg6QZ48aI/AAAAAAAAC-0/uUjhbgRnkgI4Q6EVEGW7ROtQmFmf8KlkwCEw/s1600/Lasagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Month of No Groceries 2017 www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="396" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iz6c9N2piSs/WHOg6QZ48aI/AAAAAAAAC-0/uUjhbgRnkgI4Q6EVEGW7ROtQmFmf8KlkwCEw/s640/Lasagna.jpg" title="A Month of No Groceries 2017 www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade lasagna...take that Stouffer's!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Monday: Salad and Chicken Wings (left over from New Years Eve)<br />Tuesday: Vegetable Soup and Stuffing Muffins (left over from Thanksgiving that I had frozen)<br />Wednesday: Smothered Pork Chops (slow cooked with potatoes and onions)<br />Thursday: French Dip Sandwiches (used left-over pork chops and the juice to make these)<br />Friday: Pizza (this was at my mom and dad's house and was not planned)<br />Saturday: Lasagna and Beer Bread (I didn't have ricotta or cottage cheese, so instead I used cream cheese which I did have, and it was amazing!)<br />Sunday: Left-Over Night (Or clean out the fridge, as I like to call it)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVKol3qLDRg/WHOhB4NI2XI/AAAAAAAAC-8/yaOerm-YggAF6d087nhCmRzKk2dZSh2VQCEw/s1600/Beer%2BBread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Month of No Groceries 2017 www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVKol3qLDRg/WHOhB4NI2XI/AAAAAAAAC-8/yaOerm-YggAF6d087nhCmRzKk2dZSh2VQCEw/s640/Beer%2BBread.jpg" title="A Month of No Groceries 2017 www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My yummy beer bread! A quick and easy way to make bread. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />So you can see that everything that I made was something that I had in my freezer or pantry, but mainly freezer. While I was cooking the hamburger for the lasagna I decided to cook some extra and I will be using that for a Mexican meal this evening.<br /><br />I love that I was able to take my left-overs from Wednesday and turn them into a whole new meal for Thursday. Doing this challenge really helps me plan out what I am going to cook, and how I can use the left-overs for other meals. The best part is that I am using food that I already have, I am not wasting anything, and I am saving money that we need for other things this month.<br /><br /><b>Have you ever done this challenge?&nbsp; Want to join me? Let me know in the comments below!</b></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-62149181152969563092017-01-06T11:52:00.001-06:002017-01-06T12:01:13.205-06:00A New Year, and a New Recipe! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy New Year! I can't believe how long it has been since my last post! Time and life got away from me for awhile, but I am back and here to stay. There is a lot to catch you up on, and while I would love to do it all in this post, it would make it a very long post!<br /><br />To start things off again I thought I would share a recipe. To be honest, this is not my recipe, I'll point you all in the direction of where I got it, but I will share how I like to "dress it up" and make it my own.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FbFy_E8hWHo/WG_XRWdEUDI/AAAAAAAAB4U/cpbooqB1KN4koQWUPU1KirQhrQOHjZgZQCLcB/s1600/Snowy%2BMorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FbFy_E8hWHo/WG_XRWdEUDI/AAAAAAAAB4U/cpbooqB1KN4koQWUPU1KirQhrQOHjZgZQCLcB/s640/Snowy%2BMorning.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cold snowy morning on the farm.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;The recipe that I want to share is porridge! Specifically millet porridge. Is there anything better on a cold winter's morning than porridge? Just the sound of it warms me inside. It is so Dicken's, so Oliver-ish (please sir, may I have some more?).&nbsp; Usually our family eats oatmeal. We all like oatmeal except for my husband... he loves it. In fact my husband has an attraction for oatmeal that borders on the insane. Growing up he had to have it every morning for breakfast. As for me, I couldn't stand oatmeal when I was little. It was a texture thing. However, as I have gotten older (and cooked it myself) I began to like it, but I am pretty picky on the consistency of oatmeal. I like it creamy and more like mush (soft), while my husband likes his chewy. Nevertheless, we have been able to push past this disagreement and somehow make our marriage work.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvuMs8rU_q8/WG_XGi0m-CI/AAAAAAAAB4I/zqaey9wkrCURvIgjymdIfe47p570MpcyACLcB/s1600/Millet%2Bporridge%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvuMs8rU_q8/WG_XGi0m-CI/AAAAAAAAB4I/zqaey9wkrCURvIgjymdIfe47p570MpcyACLcB/s640/Millet%2Bporridge%2BTitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millet Porridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Until recently I had never had millet. We were at our friend's house for a New Year's eve party and we started discussing ancient grains. I know what you are thinking, and yes, it was quite the wild party! ;-) My daughter Carly has bowel issues. We thought it was just dairy and now it may be wheat as well. Our friends (who are amazing I might add) gave us several different grains to try that are all gluten free. We ended up bringing home millet, sorghum, amaranth, and teff. <b>(Check-out my instagram @hollihen to see a picture of the sorghum we popped that night).</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kantdKmKb6g/WG_W87F6RLI/AAAAAAAAB4c/qEsXv--D1LEMlLbX5djwWo-9OIriQzZ0wCEw/s1600/Ancient%2BGrains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kantdKmKb6g/WG_W87F6RLI/AAAAAAAAB4c/qEsXv--D1LEMlLbX5djwWo-9OIriQzZ0wCEw/s640/Ancient%2BGrains.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ancient grains we got from our friends.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Of course I started looking up recipes right away, plus looking at the recipes on the packages to see how I could cook these. These grains can be used in just about anyway you can possibly imagine. I decided to go easy the first time and make some porridge out of the millet. What a great way to start! I am completely in love and now I have a better understanding of the relationship that my husband has with oatmeal. I might just end up having the same relationship with millet porridge.<br /><br />The recipe that I used for basic porridge I found over at the site&nbsp; <i><a href="http://www.deliciousasitlooks.com/2016/02/low-fodmap-millet-porridge-3-ways.html#more" target="_blank">Delicious as it Looks</a>.</i> The ingredients are very simple: millet, water, milk, and salt.&nbsp; For our family I used almond milk. Our poor girl can't even digest the lactose free milk, so almond it is.&nbsp; For the salt, I use pink Himalayan salt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDdAM_0tBII/WG_XQR6CliI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/eWURorgPCTwnSPHz3cJTrOrwHjumlOhnwCEw/s1600/Millet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDdAM_0tBII/WG_XQR6CliI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/eWURorgPCTwnSPHz3cJTrOrwHjumlOhnwCEw/s640/Millet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millet toasting in the pan, so pretty!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Here is what I did a little differently.&nbsp; First I toasted the millet in the pan.&nbsp; It helps give it a nutty flavor. I then added the liquid and brought to a boil.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7glZhiBT31w/WG_XFQsCpdI/AAAAAAAAB4A/D0dYwtOaqNgPPzga83o11a0fcq4xnSzxgCEw/s1600/Millet%2Bin%2Bliquid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7glZhiBT31w/WG_XFQsCpdI/AAAAAAAAB4A/D0dYwtOaqNgPPzga83o11a0fcq4xnSzxgCEw/s640/Millet%2Bin%2Bliquid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water and milk added, and I promise the millet is in there too.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Then I turned down the heat and let it cook covered for 25 minutes as directed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-So2ZVeRwK6A/WG_XF8HYhRI/AAAAAAAAB4E/iwejIlANIJEqthwEmX3nDQpSiTm_OskgwCEw/s1600/Millet%2Bcooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-So2ZVeRwK6A/WG_XF8HYhRI/AAAAAAAAB4E/iwejIlANIJEqthwEmX3nDQpSiTm_OskgwCEw/s640/Millet%2Bcooking.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my cast iron pans!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />You can see what it looked like after I took the cover off.&nbsp; It was a little too liquidy for my tastes, so I continued to cook for an additional 5 minutes with the cover off.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pjRH3l9QPI/WG_W4hOeuDI/AAAAAAAAB30/JUGigluMJHUsCnHTrVnPNoSZ2-u-GyiEgCEw/s1600/Cooked%2BPorridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pjRH3l9QPI/WG_W4hOeuDI/AAAAAAAAB30/JUGigluMJHUsCnHTrVnPNoSZ2-u-GyiEgCEw/s640/Cooked%2BPorridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After cooking for 25 minutes, this is before I let it thicken up a little.</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp; It really does thicken up quite quick and when you let it stand, it will continue to thicken.<br /><br />I first put a pat of butter in the porridge and let it melt.&nbsp; I had to sample this and it was the most creamy, yummy, thing I have ever eaten. BUT while it was good just like that, I had to put in my own add-ins.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AURVqu_JpGo/WG_W62X1ZoI/AAAAAAAAB34/GTiMbFldCMYEl5xdGabCBmanBHuSzPmzwCEw/s1600/Add-ins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AURVqu_JpGo/WG_W62X1ZoI/AAAAAAAAB34/GTiMbFldCMYEl5xdGabCBmanBHuSzPmzwCEw/s640/Add-ins.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walnuts, banana, and pure maple syrup... yum, yum!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I added in sliced banana, chopped walnuts, and then drizzled maple syrup over the top.&nbsp; It was to die for! I can't even begin to tell you how yummy this was! I am so glad I made a huge pot of this.&nbsp; I put the left-overs in the fridge and I plan to eat some more for breakfast the rest of the week.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hS2K8UGUw70/WG_XOgVrmYI/AAAAAAAAB4c/_PDD3xe_2N8cfqpLrtf_j-b6DnxH-60IgCEw/s1600/Millet%2Bporridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hS2K8UGUw70/WG_XOgVrmYI/AAAAAAAAB4c/_PDD3xe_2N8cfqpLrtf_j-b6DnxH-60IgCEw/s640/Millet%2Bporridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product. So good!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Another good add-in idea would be chopped apples, cinnamon, pecans, and honey.<br /><br />I am so glad that our dear friends gave us this grain, and I am so glad to find the recipe and my new found love affair with millet porridge!<br /><br /><b>Tell me...have you ever tried millet porridge?&nbsp; If so what do you add to it?</b><br /><br /><br /></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-32252319507394996862016-07-14T08:00:00.000-05:002016-07-14T08:00:03.219-05:00Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love when my garden starts producing. &nbsp;There is nothing better than making delicious, wholesome recipes from food that you have grown yourself. &nbsp;The next best thing is making those recipes from food that I have received as gifts from friends and family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was lucky enough to get some wonderful cabbage from my aunt and uncle the other day. &nbsp;I did not grow any cabbage this year, so it was a treat! I decided to make some coleslaw and thought I would share with you my easy creamy coleslaw recipe. It is delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57NiJknj7SA/V4a0g0MPG4I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/GPm-S0OWwjsFZ-9BDYYGqNmAegujKBQNgCEw/s1600/Coleslaw%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57NiJknj7SA/V4a0g0MPG4I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/GPm-S0OWwjsFZ-9BDYYGqNmAegujKBQNgCEw/s640/Coleslaw%2BTitle.jpg" title="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Growing up, our family had a slight disagreement on the best way to make coleslaw. &nbsp;It seems that when it comes down to it, there are two camps. &nbsp;One is that the best slaw is made with mayonnaise, and the other is that the best slaw is made with vinegar. &nbsp;My grandmother and mom almost always made the vinegar slaw, in fact that is the recipe that is in our family cookbook. &nbsp;But my sister and I both like the mayonnaise version which is the recipe that I am sharing with you today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of my sister, I remember when she was still living at home and she used to make slaw for a snack. &nbsp;It was one of her favorite foods. &nbsp;She wasn't much of a sweet eater. &nbsp;She always did prefer homemade pickles, tomato juice, and slaw to any cakes or pies we had. &nbsp;To this day, she still makes great slaw.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here is my version based on how my sister used to make it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmeS1eI4bEo/V4a0hOvZ_aI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/qsQlJ7T6ROgVm1TdzHwhYo1qn_fUHRLZgCEw/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmeS1eI4bEo/V4a0hOvZ_aI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/qsQlJ7T6ROgVm1TdzHwhYo1qn_fUHRLZgCEw/s640/Ingredients.jpg" title="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients, well almost all the ingredients</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see from above that the ingredients are few, and include your basic staples. Okay, I know what you are thinking, there is vinegar in that picture. Well, there is a little vinegar in this dressing, but not as much as you would put in the vinegar-based slaw.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we are on the subject of vinegar, let's have a little chat about what kind of vinegar to use for your slaw. You can see above that I used my Brag's ACV. I absolutely love the flavor and love how good it is for you. If it was any other brand of ACV, I probably wouldn't use it in this recipe. You really do want a good tasting vinegar. What also would be good in this recipe would be a white wine vinegar. It is light and tangy and great in recipes such as these.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also missing from this picture is a carrot. I like to shred a carrot up to put in my slaw. You don't have to, but if I have it on had, why not? And it seems that the dry mustard is also missing. Oh well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing you want to do is make your dressing and let it sit while you are shredding your cabbage. It lets the flavors come together. In a medium bowl, mix together:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 cup of mayonnaise</li><li>3 tablespoons of sugar</li><li>2 tablespoons of vinegar</li><li>2 teaspoons of celery seed (not salt!)</li><li>1 teaspoon of season salt</li><li>1 teaspoon of dry mustard</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dxJh-MQQMw/V4a0hP04DiI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/lhlWQz4nRpchV7gRigFJLPJmk2xHqiUWgCKgB/s1600/Dressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dxJh-MQQMw/V4a0hP04DiI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/lhlWQz4nRpchV7gRigFJLPJmk2xHqiUWgCKgB/s640/Dressing.jpg" title="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coleslaw Dressing, so much better than store bought!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Once you mix the dressing ingredients together, put in the fridge. &nbsp;Next, shred your cabbage. You can do this the old-fashioned way which is what I did, or you can use a food processor. For me, if I am just cutting up one head of cabbage, it isn't worth getting my food processor out.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iit9eOq4wfc/V4a0hfWC4xI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/oNWi_wREp0kAmFOomHygcO0ExA26BuGAACKgB/s1600/Shredded%2BCabbage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iit9eOq4wfc/V4a0hfWC4xI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/oNWi_wREp0kAmFOomHygcO0ExA26BuGAACKgB/s640/Shredded%2BCabbage.jpg" title="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long shreds, this is how I like it!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see above that I like to cut my cabbage in long pieces. I love it when it has been sitting in the dressing and you get a big fork-full and it is hanging off the fork. There is nothing better! I also like those long shreds because it stays on my sandwiches better. That's right, I love to use this slaw as a condiment! Feel free to slice or shred the cabbage the way you like it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are using a carrot and/or onion this is the time to shred and dice those as well and put them in with the cabbage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss so it is all coated, and put it back in the fridge to let the cabbage get a little wilted, from the dressing and soak up all the flavor. Don't worry, it will still have a little crunch to it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S26WL27ZTRk/V4a0hFO1JMI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/jqo4-owUftM3LVM4isxeKDWqb2fSVj30QCKgB/s1600/Coleslaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S26WL27ZTRk/V4a0hFO1JMI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/jqo4-owUftM3LVM4isxeKDWqb2fSVj30QCKgB/s640/Coleslaw.jpg" title="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This slaw is just screaming summertime!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see the yummy goodness. It truly is the right mix of sweet and tangy. &nbsp;I love to eat this as a side, and as I mentioned above, I also love to put it on my hamburgers, my BBQ pork sandwiches, and of course brats!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR_tV_BVePQ/V4a0hl9srqI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/PZoLdy5_OL8f03GqJt8iqK8ltvCLpqDzACKgB/s1600/Slawdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR_tV_BVePQ/V4a0hl9srqI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/PZoLdy5_OL8f03GqJt8iqK8ltvCLpqDzACKgB/s640/Slawdog.jpg" title="Homemade (Easy!) Creamy Coleslaw www.HensleFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I call a slaw dog, with a side of grilled corn!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's all there is to this delicious slaw recipe. &nbsp;Looking for a printable version of the this recipe? Click <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/hensleefarmadventures/coleslaw?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b>Let me know in the comments below </b>what team you are on when it comes to slaw, <b>Team Mayo</b> or <b>Team Vinegar.</b></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-85987260888331329802016-07-12T08:00:00.000-05:002016-07-12T08:38:30.021-05:00Freezing Corn for Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I absolutely love summer! And boy is it in full swing! I could do without the blazing temperatures and the humidity, which turns my naturally wavy hair into a frizzy mess (think 80's perm). &nbsp;But I am loving time with my family, swimming in the pool, and one of my all time favorite summer time activities, putting up vegetables!<br /><br />Yes, you read that right. I love preserving the food that we grow, whether that means freezing it or canning it. For me it brings back memories of getting together with my grandparents and sometimes my aunt and uncle, and sharing in the work. It was always so much fun, and after the day was done, we would split the food that was preserved between the families. All winter long we would enjoy the good food that we grew. It was almost like having a little taste of summer during the bleak cold winter days. I thought I would share with you how to preserve sweet corn on the cob so that you too can enjoy it all winter long!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVP-PQhZYKg/V4MWjEXQQGI/AAAAAAAAB1U/VVSGvdE7ANAO5_IJNY5yxr_xZqEAzi03ACLcB/s1600/Freezing%2BCorn%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVP-PQhZYKg/V4MWjEXQQGI/AAAAAAAAB1U/VVSGvdE7ANAO5_IJNY5yxr_xZqEAzi03ACLcB/s640/Freezing%2BCorn%2BTitle.jpg" title="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="448" /></a></div><br />First, I have something that I must confess. I didn't actually grow this corn. We have tried growing sweet corn for several years and we have just not had any luck. In fact the best year we had for corn was one where we were able to harvest 6 ears!<br /><br />While I was excited about the 6 ears, I felt like a failure that I could not carry on our family tradition of freezing corn for winter. I grew up thinking that you could only preserve the food that came from your own garden. Somehow in my mind if you tried to preserve someone else's food it would rot, or magically disappear. I know, it sounds weird. But I have since learned that you CAN preserve any food! Imagine that! ;-)<br /><br />I have to give a shout-out to the wonderful lady that grows the corn that I froze. &nbsp;Her name is Sherri and she has a corn farm. &nbsp;It is called <a href="http://www.farmhousecorn.com/" target="_blank">Farm House Corn</a>. It is absolutely wonderful corn, and she is the sweetest lady! What I love is that she only raises non-GMO corn and she uses no pesticides! I love it when you find a farmer that has the same ideals as you. Check-out her website, she is just starting her business (I am NOT getting paid to say any of this).<br /><br />Now, back to freezing corn. I used to think that you could just wash your veggies and put them in a freezer bag and you are done. &nbsp;With some veggies you can do this, but with others, corn being one of them, you have to blanch it first.<br /><br />Blanching is where you partially cook vegetables, then dip them immediately into a cold water bath to stop the cooking process. Once the vegetables are blanched and dry, you can prepare them for the freezer.<br /><br />The first step is to shuck the corn and remove the silks. &nbsp;To remove the silks, scrub (not hard) with a vegetable brush while the corn is in cold water.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kA2nnTk1b4/V4MVrorM1cI/AAAAAAAAB1E/qG-IapTBvBY3pDXIDmqD1vxdpvCsfgv2wCKgB/s1600/Corn%2BAfter%2BShucking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kA2nnTk1b4/V4MVrorM1cI/AAAAAAAAB1E/qG-IapTBvBY3pDXIDmqD1vxdpvCsfgv2wCKgB/s640/Corn%2BAfter%2BShucking.jpg" title="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful corn, with slight blemishes. I love it! To me it means no pesticides.</td></tr></tbody></table>Once the silks have been removed, cut off any bad places. &nbsp;I thought I would share this picture with you. &nbsp;The majority of the corn I got was pretty much perfect, however there were some that looked like the picture above. To me, that shows that pesticides are not being used. I just cut off the tops and we were good to go!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwLvQEzqf3Y/V4MWOVxoTLI/AAAAAAAAB1k/b1Jb3w7jkHYFAYpOFquQcZlesAFlI4xpACKgB/s1600/Corn%2Bfor%2BChickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwLvQEzqf3Y/V4MWOVxoTLI/AAAAAAAAB1k/b1Jb3w7jkHYFAYpOFquQcZlesAFlI4xpACKgB/s640/Corn%2Bfor%2BChickens.jpg" title="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A treat for my chickens!</td></tr></tbody></table>Next, bring a pot of water to boil and put in as many ears that will fit and boil for 6 minutes. Unfortunately, I do not have that big of a pot, so I had to boil my corn in batches of four.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHR_gZOWswA/V4MVzznneUI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/iLUfEvXPXk8qs_6f2rmTbLzaLrmoE9FJACKgB/s1600/Boiling%2BCorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHR_gZOWswA/V4MVzznneUI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/iLUfEvXPXk8qs_6f2rmTbLzaLrmoE9FJACKgB/s640/Boiling%2BCorn.jpg" title="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boiling corn.</td></tr></tbody></table>As soon as the 6 minutes are up, you need to immediately immerse the boiled corn in a bowl of ice water.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpflPo0gV_8/V4MWvJivEeI/AAAAAAAAB1o/0HV3bkSdH3ox0LF0M8j861vBlovQP4SGwCKgB/s1600/Ice%2BBath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpflPo0gV_8/V4MWvJivEeI/AAAAAAAAB1o/0HV3bkSdH3ox0LF0M8j861vBlovQP4SGwCKgB/s640/Ice%2BBath.jpg" title="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice water bath.</td></tr></tbody></table>The ice water will stop the cooking process. &nbsp;Isn't the corn a beautiful yellow? &nbsp;And yes, that is two colors that you are seeing. This corn happens to be a bi-color corn.<br /><br />Lay the corn out on clean kitchen towels to dry.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sagw_oYb8h4/V4MVxzkOBPI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/zYYlwpVYxwc5O6yNL-G2VlHS2xxhbOQlQCKgB/s1600/Blanched%2BCorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sagw_oYb8h4/V4MVxzkOBPI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/zYYlwpVYxwc5O6yNL-G2VlHS2xxhbOQlQCKgB/s640/Blanched%2BCorn.jpg" title="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful corn! I believe that is a peach photo bombing this picture!</td></tr></tbody></table>Once the corn is dry, you can roll it up in foil, and put it in freezer bags. After that all that is left to do is put it in the freezer!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqVqMboAwzQ/V4MW2LfRDLI/AAAAAAAAB1o/EdY1TDUGTQQIP93JGI_yd6Aog6JrTUVPgCKgB/s1600/Ready%2Bfor%2BFreezer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqVqMboAwzQ/V4MW2LfRDLI/AAAAAAAAB1o/EdY1TDUGTQQIP93JGI_yd6Aog6JrTUVPgCKgB/s640/Ready%2Bfor%2BFreezer.jpg" title="Freezing Corn for Winter www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to freeze to eat this winter.</td></tr></tbody></table>There really isn't much to getting corn ready to freeze. My kids love corn on the cob, and this winter, we will enjoy this corn. We can also thaw it and cut it off the cob and use it for stews and soups. It will give them a fresh from the garden taste! Trust me, after trying this, you won't want to buy canned corn again!<br /><b><br /></b><b>Be sure and let me know in the comments below what vegetables you preserve for winter.</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-63998666362488704522016-05-31T09:58:00.003-05:002016-05-31T09:59:12.445-05:00Mulberry Cobbler<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'm back! Wow, I can't believe how long I have gone without a post. &nbsp;This farmers' market gig is wonderful, but it has taken up more of my time than I initially thought it would. But to be completely honest, I have loved it, and so has Mr. HFA! We have met the best people, customers and other vendors. It really has been a great experience and one that we are going to continue for the rest of this summer.<br /><br />Speaking of meeting great people, we were fortunate enough to become friends with another vendor. She does wonderful woodworking and makes some great homemade noodles that she sells. They invited us over this past weekend to pick cherries and mulberries. We were excited at the thought of getting both as we do not have either on our farm.<br /><br />We were able to pick a bucket of cherries and a bucket of mulberries. This weekend, I made a mulberry cobbler using my mother-in-law's blackberry cobbler recipe. I thought it would be perfect to share with you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDg70HE8-PE/V02h9hVL8VI/AAAAAAAAB0I/J7OL28QVdokQJkCN7H_3NZpsMhm6WqHDwCLcB/s1600/Mulberry%2BCobbler%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDg70HE8-PE/V02h9hVL8VI/AAAAAAAAB0I/J7OL28QVdokQJkCN7H_3NZpsMhm6WqHDwCLcB/s640/Mulberry%2BCobbler%2BTitle.jpg" title="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This recipe is so easy! &nbsp;It is not your regular cobbler. &nbsp;Growing up I had one grandmother that would make cobbler that had a cake-like crust which was yummy. The other grandmother would make her cobbler using pie crust, which was equally good! &nbsp;I have found that there are several different ways to make cobbler, and I have not met a cobbler yet that I do not get a long with! For this recipe, it uses a crumb-like topping which makes it very easy and very fast to put together.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-d1nxnUUHQ/V02h9CkZdKI/AAAAAAAABz4/OJLjWwFyWck6rmhNWbpqwsErNy_0S0xFACKgB/s1600/Mulberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-d1nxnUUHQ/V02h9CkZdKI/AAAAAAAABz4/OJLjWwFyWck6rmhNWbpqwsErNy_0S0xFACKgB/s640/Mulberries.jpg" title="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful berries. These were so sweet and juicy!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Preheat your oven to 375°F. Next you need to wash your mulberries. Aren't these beautiful? They look a lot like a blackberry. I have to say that I had a hard time not eating them as I was picking them!<br /><br />After they are washed, put them in an 8x8 dish and put 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over them, then set them aside.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1yviqDffh0/V02h8xTzaPI/AAAAAAAAB0U/rNxWTC6iEiAIB0bNVCDNtKehPOHNBk2FQCKgB/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1yviqDffh0/V02h8xTzaPI/AAAAAAAAB0U/rNxWTC6iEiAIB0bNVCDNtKehPOHNBk2FQCKgB/s640/Ingredients.jpg" title="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients. I am missing the butter.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then mix together 1 large egg, 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup of sugar. Mix until it resembles crumbs, like below.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1oIt6gDES4/V02h94nBCGI/AAAAAAAAB0U/ePcwJqCoi_8QRSmiAlWgAHQeXqIrxEDpwCKgB/s1600/Topping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1oIt6gDES4/V02h94nBCGI/AAAAAAAAB0U/ePcwJqCoi_8QRSmiAlWgAHQeXqIrxEDpwCKgB/s640/Topping.jpg" title="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure that you mix it up until it resembles crumbs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Take this mixture and pour over the berries, making sure that it is even and they are covered. Next, melt 6 tablespoons of butter and pour over the flour mixture that you just put on your berries. (Sorry I forgot to include butter in the ingredients picture above).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4hLDKTEing/V02h93ngAUI/AAAAAAAAB0U/Cnc8DSq4pdIDCOAIpoBBWk_zd7rbkZvMgCKgB/s1600/Ready%2Bto%2Bbake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4hLDKTEing/V02h93ngAUI/AAAAAAAAB0U/Cnc8DSq4pdIDCOAIpoBBWk_zd7rbkZvMgCKgB/s640/Ready%2Bto%2Bbake.jpg" title="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flour mixture is on berries, and then butter is poured on top of that.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Put this into your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until it is golden brown.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AarkGWxPfdU/V02h9htXVOI/AAAAAAAAB0U/evbKEiZ1jF4_evLLenbRadJDVIGIfSTkwCKgB/s1600/Out%2Bof%2Bthe%2Boven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AarkGWxPfdU/V02h9htXVOI/AAAAAAAAB0U/evbKEiZ1jF4_evLLenbRadJDVIGIfSTkwCKgB/s640/Out%2Bof%2Bthe%2Boven.jpg" title="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful golden brown. This looks delicious!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Doesn't this look amazing? It was hard to keep from diving right into this dessert, but we somehow managed to show some restraint and were able to wait until after supper for this special treat.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia3iM8wBb7E/V02h9dioZ_I/AAAAAAAAB0U/o9NgLJ0-tyUnFV_2jRn3nM1jmT1GCcruwCKgB/s1600/Mulberry%2Bcobbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia3iM8wBb7E/V02h9dioZ_I/AAAAAAAAB0U/o9NgLJ0-tyUnFV_2jRn3nM1jmT1GCcruwCKgB/s640/Mulberry%2Bcobbler.jpg" title="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks so good, but it really needs a friend.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I spooned some out into a bowl, but then I decided that while it looked good, it looked lonely. So what makes cobbler better? Well...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzEHrontRFE/V02h8x8WeJI/AAAAAAAAB0U/giA_c3Fb3vkmd2v2ypVgWhPoF2pA9UubgCKgB/s1600/Cobbler%2Ba%2Bla%2Bmode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzEHrontRFE/V02h8x8WeJI/AAAAAAAAB0U/giA_c3Fb3vkmd2v2ypVgWhPoF2pA9UubgCKgB/s640/Cobbler%2Ba%2Bla%2Bmode.jpg" title="Mulberry Cobbler www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now my cobbler is happy! Cobbler and ice cream, what a treat!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Vanilla ice cream! The only thing that could make this any better is if that ice cream were home made. But alas, we can't have everything!<br /><br />As you can see the recipe is super simple, and super quick. The perfect dessert for when you are having company and don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This dessert would also work well with blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.<br /><br />Would you like a printed version of the recipe? <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/hensleefarmadventures/mulberry-cobbler?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">Click here</a>.<br /><br />Let me know what think about the recipe in the comments below! Also how do you use your mulberries?</div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-73793314513361935372016-05-10T09:56:00.005-05:002016-05-10T09:56:47.138-05:00When Life Gives You Lemons...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My days have been spent baking savory breads and making jams and jellies (a post is coming soon on the jams and jellies). We have been so busy that we have almost let the garden go. But this past weekend we decided it was time. We had talked about putting in a big enough garden that we could sell our produce, in fact we already have requests for produce from friends and family.<br /><br />But that was not to be. Our tiller decided to not start. Mr. HFA is pretty handy and mechanically inclined so he can fix almost anything. When he couldn't fix it, I knew we were in trouble. Of course his first comment (out of frustration) was we might as well forget about a garden this year. But for me, that is not even an option.<br /><br />Last year our garden was a total flop. We had so much rain within a 30 day period that not only did our garden flood, killing everything in it, but our roof on our house leaked sending a steady stream of water into our living room floor. With that amount of rain, we did not have a garden last year, and I did not want to repeat the same fate this year.<br /><br />In the fall of last year, Mr. HFA built me some raised garden beds with wood we already had on hand. <a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2015/08/how-to-make-raised-garden-beds-for-fall.html" target="_blank">You can read about it here</a>. We decided to add on to our raised beds and make a bigger area.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucvqN6rGqC4/VzH1TbmojII/AAAAAAAAByU/XXwJ2GHUVpQE9DfTjBdhFrWoxaehYlpNACLcB/s1600/Blackberry%2BBlossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="580" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucvqN6rGqC4/VzH1TbmojII/AAAAAAAAByU/XXwJ2GHUVpQE9DfTjBdhFrWoxaehYlpNACLcB/s640/Blackberry%2BBlossoms.jpg" title="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackberry blossoms, our hillside is covered with them!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We have seen signs this spring of a good harvest. I hope that it continues. Our blackberries are filled with blooms. In fact I have never seen so many in the 4 years that we have been on our land. The last time we picked blackberries, we were able to get a bucket full and that's it. This year, I already have dreams of blackberry cobbler, blackberry jelly, and selling blackberries at the farmer's market.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iKJLeU_TVw/VzH1Td9-_DI/AAAAAAAAByc/-x7FUko0LcYTsqZv8F2jkTksehPi8m5cgCKgB/s1600/Gooseberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iKJLeU_TVw/VzH1Td9-_DI/AAAAAAAAByc/-x7FUko0LcYTsqZv8F2jkTksehPi8m5cgCKgB/s640/Gooseberries.jpg" title="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wild gooseberries! The berries are getting so big!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our gooseberries are also doing really well. In fact it won't be much longer before they are ready to pick. The gooseberries are wild, and usually the wild ones are small. However when we went walking this past weekend checking out our berries, I noticed that they are huge for being wild.<br /><br />So our garden has started. Since I didn't take the time to start my own plants this winter, I do need to buy some more tomato plants. Of course I will get those at the farmer's market. They are better quality and less expensive than getting them at a big box store. And we need to finish up the addition on to our raised garden bed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgVBjIKZmsA/VzH1TXeoFrI/AAAAAAAAByY/9MrdZ48aq48HSDPr3xnLlukJ4VA734g3gCKgB/s1600/Pepper%2Bplants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="502" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgVBjIKZmsA/VzH1TXeoFrI/AAAAAAAAByY/9MrdZ48aq48HSDPr3xnLlukJ4VA734g3gCKgB/s640/Pepper%2Bplants.jpg" title="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pepper plants. Since our chickens are free range, we have to have covers for our garden.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Currently we have a tomato plant, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, and okra. I will be adding more as we get more space.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6YheB0WuTk/VzH1T0hGlzI/AAAAAAAAByk/rA4PCde1aPk94mtY79KvMlcrCmostL34QCKgB/s1600/Tomato%2Bplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6YheB0WuTk/VzH1T0hGlzI/AAAAAAAAByk/rA4PCde1aPk94mtY79KvMlcrCmostL34QCKgB/s640/Tomato%2Bplant.jpg" title="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="556" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our loan tomato plant, but it won't be for long.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I think we will try and fix a spot in our "normal" garden area for some pumpkins, gourds, and watermelon. They need lots of space to vine.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CiTbPrmEBWI/VzH1T2MGn7I/AAAAAAAAByg/UQ-o7M6_INMghfc-BPqnOVT1j6Zx8qWLQCKgB/s1600/Raised%2BGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CiTbPrmEBWI/VzH1T2MGn7I/AAAAAAAAByg/UQ-o7M6_INMghfc-BPqnOVT1j6Zx8qWLQCKgB/s640/Raised%2BGarden.jpg" title="When Life Gives You Lemons www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our raised garden. You can see our original garden area right behind it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So while normally we would feel defeated, I'm not going to let set-backs ruin my garden this year. Is the raised garden pretty? No, not by a long shot, but it will be beautiful when all those vegetables start growing. And if we only get enough to feed our family, then I will be more than happy with that. Of course I'm hoping to have enough cucumbers to make some of my yummy sweet and spicy pickles and our family's favorite lime pickles.<br /><br />So I guess the moral of this post (there is always a moral, isn't there?), is that no matter what life throws at you, find a way to keep on. You may need to reinvent your original idea, but don't let anything stop you!<br /><br />Let me know in the comments below how your garden is doing!<br /><br /></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-36619959780014684532016-05-05T09:53:00.002-05:002016-05-05T09:53:45.740-05:00Pickled Radishes <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr">Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind where nothing goes right? Well that is how I have been feeling for the past couple of weeks! It is almost the end of the school year and my ability to multitask as a full-time mother, librarian, and blogger just isn't working. I've missed out on field trips, have forgotten to return paperwork and missed some blog posts. All I can say is thank goodness for my husband,&nbsp; Mr. HFA (that's short for Henslee Farm Adventures in case you're wondering ;-) ). If it wasn't for him I would have lost my mind a long time ago!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDt2Rb5mTao/VytZBVQ6XOI/AAAAAAAABxo/xIVavdTZqHYMy_EVynJ6tjqnpIb5SV09QCLcB/s1600/Radishes%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDt2Rb5mTao/VytZBVQ6XOI/AAAAAAAABxo/xIVavdTZqHYMy_EVynJ6tjqnpIb5SV09QCLcB/s640/Radishes%2BTitle.jpg" title="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">My new venture, since I don't have enough on my plate, is of course selling goods at our local farmer's market (<a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2016/04/7-reasons-to-go-to-your-local-farmers.html" target="_blank">Read about why you should support your local farmer's market</a>). Sometimes I wonder what I got myself into, but to tell you the truth I absolutely love it! The best part is that I have made some new friends. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndrqCyCHNdU/VytZAqskpZI/AAAAAAAABx0/dRBGGQYMBIwzIcxkUFwowLVGDQ2u7L4mgCKgB/s1600/Drew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="452" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndrqCyCHNdU/VytZAqskpZI/AAAAAAAABx0/dRBGGQYMBIwzIcxkUFwowLVGDQ2u7L4mgCKgB/s640/Drew.jpg" title="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew enjoying one of Rema's purple radishes at the farmer's market.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">One of my new friends is Rema from Ford Family Farms. She grows heirloom vegetables, is very knowledgeable about her veggies, and has a great sense of humor! Talking to her has been a great learning experience for me. Whether she realizes it or not, I am learning more about seed germination and what works and doesn't work. I have had bad luck with heirloom seeds in the past because let's face it, they are finicky. However after hearing how she does it, I am willing to try it again! But gardening tips is not all she has given me, last week she gave me a beautiful bunch of heirloom radishes.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPHyEtyw0P4/VytZBjqF0WI/AAAAAAAABxs/kyR6RZ-cZOsWiYm_0xz2fIcGAn-WeVj5wCKgB/s1600/Radishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPHyEtyw0P4/VytZBjqF0WI/AAAAAAAABxs/kyR6RZ-cZOsWiYm_0xz2fIcGAn-WeVj5wCKgB/s640/Radishes.jpg" title="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they gorgeous? Ah, produce love.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">While I love getting produce, any kind of produce, I wasn't sure what to do with them. Growing up, my parents always grew radishes and they were one of the first items to come out of our garden along with green onions and leaf lettuce. But we never did anything with them except eat them raw and put them in salads. Rema suggested making pickles out of them. Pickling them sounded wonderful! I love pickled anything. Now to find a recipe.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I found several recipes out there, but what I found interesting is that no two are alike. Some used honey, some used maple syrup, some used sugar. &nbsp;Some had pepper flakes, some had fennel. &nbsp;Still others used white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar, or even just plain white distilled vinegar. It seemed like this was a recipe that truly could be tailored to fit whatever a person liked.&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I want to say a little something on the sugar that I use. I do not typically use refined white sugar. You hardly ever get to see the sugar I do use, because I pour my sugar into a glass container which I have at my "baking station" in my kitchen. The sugar I do use is a pure cane sugar which has gone through very little processing. It is not bleached white, although in certain pictures it does look white. It is also non-GMO, AND I can get it at our local Aldi store!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwb3nhyRN5c/VytZB209uNI/AAAAAAAABx0/scja8FdWHoUvE_dhRsO2iUy48g2kSGitQCKgB/s1600/Sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="624" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwb3nhyRN5c/VytZB209uNI/AAAAAAAABx0/scja8FdWHoUvE_dhRsO2iUy48g2kSGitQCKgB/s640/Sugar.jpg" title="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Non-GMO sugar, nothing wrong with that!</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">After much debate on which way I should go, I thought I would base the recipe on my sweet and spicy pickles, which are ah-maz-ing I might add. &nbsp;I might share that recipe with you later this summer when the cukes are ready. With the amount of radishes I had, I was able to make 3 pint jars. I did process them in a water bath canner to preserve them.&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_5AZeRWET8/VytZAkfHrhI/AAAAAAAABxg/sVgq5MU1RS0XGhHnd2T6o5cWDXuvVRGGACKgB/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_5AZeRWET8/VytZAkfHrhI/AAAAAAAABxg/sVgq5MU1RS0XGhHnd2T6o5cWDXuvVRGGACKgB/s640/Ingredients.jpg" title="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients minus the salt, pepper, and garlic cloves. Oops!</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">So here is my recipe:</div><div dir="ltr"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 big bunches of radishes</li><li>1 1/2 cups water</li><li>1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar (white wine vinegar would be great too)</li><li>1/4 cup sugar</li><li>2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)</li><li>1 teaspoon of pepper (I used white pepper)</li><li>1 teaspoon of salt (I used kosher)</li><li>Garlic cloves (one per jar), optional</li></ul><div>Slice radishes thin. This is where I used my mandolin slicer and it did a lovely job! They were sliced thin and it took no time to do it. If you don't have one, I would suggest getting one, it makes life easier! Once your radishes are sliced, put them in clean and sterilized jars. If you are using garlic, then add in the cloves of garlic too. I used garlic as we love it!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLelIh-Fpiw/VytZBd32DEI/AAAAAAAABx0/i0OjcjCT99IcVVHFs4-Mk5Nh9exAom1GACKgB/s1600/Radishes%2Bin%2Ba%2BJar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="522" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLelIh-Fpiw/VytZBd32DEI/AAAAAAAABx0/i0OjcjCT99IcVVHFs4-Mk5Nh9exAom1GACKgB/s640/Radishes%2Bin%2Ba%2BJar.jpg" title="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinly sliced in the jar, just waiting for the brine.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Put the rest of your ingredients into a pan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Poor liquid over the radishes, wipe off the rim of the jar and place a flat and ring on the jar, fingertip tight. Process in a water bath canner, 20 minutes for pint jars.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rXFB5wWHLQ/VytZAjO_zUI/AAAAAAAABx0/qyn0kKri5QM0iejjbxrtjNzjdDQa-RPygCKgB/s1600/Pickled%2BRadishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="340" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rXFB5wWHLQ/VytZAjO_zUI/AAAAAAAABx0/qyn0kKri5QM0iejjbxrtjNzjdDQa-RPygCKgB/s640/Pickled%2BRadishes.jpg" title="Pickled Radishes www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickled and ready to eat!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That's it! If you don't want to can it, you can simply place it in the fridge and let set for 24 hours for the flavors to meld. *NOTE: If you do can this, keep in mind that when you process these it will intensify the heat of the red pepper flakes. If you do not like it that spicy, then decrease the amount of pepper flakes that you use.</div><div><br /></div><div>These radishes are a hot, tangy, slightly sweet, wonder! I can't believe that I have never had these until now! And I can't wait to grill some burgers and put these bad boys on top instead of my regular pickles. Talk about kicking it up a notch!</div><div><br /></div><div>So try these out and let me know what you think. And comment below if you have ever made pickled radishes before.</div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-11597121353583291892016-05-03T10:33:00.000-05:002016-05-03T10:33:33.604-05:00Food, Family, & Traditions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For the past couple of weeks, I have been baking and canning jellies and jams to take to our local farmer's market. Believe it or not, it has been a dream of mine to be able to bake and make items to sell. While I would really love to own a little restaurant, similar to what my dad owned, at this time the farmer's market is about all we can handle.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6_zIWLz5_4/VyjCoLJeW6I/AAAAAAAABws/mUxF-jqzmDcJDcYJuPUIajU0CppGwGFIACLcB/s1600/baked%2Bgoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="406" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6_zIWLz5_4/VyjCoLJeW6I/AAAAAAAABws/mUxF-jqzmDcJDcYJuPUIajU0CppGwGFIACLcB/s640/baked%2Bgoods.jpg" title="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked goods for the farmer's market</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div>As I stood last night at my kitchen sink, looking out the window and stemming strawberries to make strawberry jalapeno preserves, I got a strong sense of&nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">déjà vu</span></span>. I realized that the food itself was bringing back memories. Memories of my childhood, of when my mom and dad would can jams and jellies. When we would get together with my grandparents and make pies to go into the freezer for winter. The food connected me to my childhood. In fact if I stood there long enough I could imagine standing at my parents' kitchen sink, looking out their window, helping to get whatever produce was ready to either can or go into the freezer.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6ciNyGC3DQ/VyjCoEAdg_I/AAAAAAAABwo/lcxkSLfjA-sJP7gytundUFzsmTP049EHQCKgB/s1600/Jellies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6ciNyGC3DQ/VyjCoEAdg_I/AAAAAAAABwo/lcxkSLfjA-sJP7gytundUFzsmTP049EHQCKgB/s640/Jellies.jpg" title="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Jalapeno Preserves and Pepper Jelly</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>Tradition in our family and in many families can be found in the food that we eat and make. There are certain things that we always make on holidays. For Easter it is ham, deviled eggs, and my grandmother would always make angel food cake with strawberries. For the Fourth of July, growing up we always had watermelon and homemade ice cream. Thanksgiving of course means turkey, our family's special dressing (stuffing), and pumpkin pie. And of course on Christmas we would have homemade candies that was only made during that season.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BflWYr9e_ig/VSLUrHeO6xI/AAAAAAAAANM/8ozxdMWZh9IM8yKtqQxsOD1HcmYwzLEmgCKgB/s1600/deviled%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BflWYr9e_ig/VSLUrHeO6xI/AAAAAAAAANM/8ozxdMWZh9IM8yKtqQxsOD1HcmYwzLEmgCKgB/s640/deviled%2Beggs.jpg" title="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade deviled eggs, a tradition at many of our family gatherings.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I try to carry on some of these traditions for my children, but I also try to start new traditions for them. They will grow up eating strawberries and pie crust for Easter, and for the Fourth of July, since my daughter is allergic to dairy, there is no homemade ice cream. Instead we stick to fruit kabobs and of course grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. &nbsp;Thanksgiving we still have our traditional family meal, and for Christmas, I make several of the candies that I grew up with.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NHgjxIho5Y/VyjCn2UyFEI/AAAAAAAABww/YRa3U67NRnkq_eDLaIJitQ-nuRu725-vQCKgB/s1600/Homemade%2BBuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="322" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NHgjxIho5Y/VyjCn2UyFEI/AAAAAAAABww/YRa3U67NRnkq_eDLaIJitQ-nuRu725-vQCKgB/s640/Homemade%2BBuns.jpg" title="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade buns using my dad's recipe that he used when he owned the Pastry Shop</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the best gifts I have received was from my cousin Jim. To most people it would have no value, in fact it really has little monetary value, but to me it is worth everything. It is our grandmother's rolling pin. It still has the dough on it from the last time that she used it. She passed away in February of 1988, I was only 14 years old. When I look at that rolling pin, I think about her and her raisin pie and her stacked applesauce cake. I also think about how much she loved all of her grandchildren and how kind she was to us. I know that when Jim looked at the rolling pin, he had different memories of her, but still loving memories. He is older than me and while we didn't grow up together, we share what matters most, a grandmother, a rolling pin, and sweet memories.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwFVC2qmnD4/Vyi9qnyeUjI/AAAAAAAABwU/Q7d4gbFVUgUmbsorw7IV_4Evbxlntwr8ACKgB/s1600/Rolling%2BPin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="282" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwFVC2qmnD4/Vyi9qnyeUjI/AAAAAAAABwU/Q7d4gbFVUgUmbsorw7IV_4Evbxlntwr8ACKgB/s640/Rolling%2BPin.jpg" title="Food, Family, &amp; Traditions www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandmother's rolling pin.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>So as I make the jams and jellies, as I bake my dad's famous hamburger buns that he served at his restaurant, I am making new memories and traditions, while still carrying forward the old. These memories are ones that my children can look back on and remember, fondly I hope. Memories that I hope they will carry on as they raise their children. Memories that are all founded in food.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What food traditions does your family have? Let me know in the comments below.</b></div></div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-13689553290259237702016-04-21T11:28:00.000-05:002016-04-21T11:28:14.158-05:007 Reasons to Go to Your Local Farmer's Market<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I know that on Thursday I usually post a recipe. Well this week, I didn't have the time to get a recipe ready to share with you all. That doesn't mean that I wasn't cooking or baking, in fact I have done quite a bit this week. All my cooking and baking have been in preparation for our local farmer's market.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVlyWsvwqhU/Vxj9Zjwc1lI/AAAAAAAABvg/k0hCblmzc_wf2EOEYYHWGhU99pDgLCGzACKgB/s1600/Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVlyWsvwqhU/Vxj9Zjwc1lI/AAAAAAAABvg/k0hCblmzc_wf2EOEYYHWGhU99pDgLCGzACKgB/s640/Market.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our local farmer's market.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I have been an avid fan/shopper of our local farmer's market for over five years. In that time you get to know the vendors, you know the quality of their food and produce. I absolutely love when the farmer's market opens and I try to go every week. At the very least I try to get there every other week.<br /><br />Well this year, I have decided to take a leap and become a vendor myself. I am excited and scared all at the same time. This has been a dream of mine for a long time. I have wanted to make things and sell them, but I have always thought up excuses as to why I couldn't.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E51PLHBY3Ks/Vxj9ZRzt5-I/AAAAAAAABvc/hzEUwdDih_sij-fNtQvVUOY_LdpQiqBfwCKgB/s1600/Jam%2Band%2BJelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E51PLHBY3Ks/Vxj9ZRzt5-I/AAAAAAAABvc/hzEUwdDih_sij-fNtQvVUOY_LdpQiqBfwCKgB/s640/Jam%2Band%2BJelly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jams and Jellies I will be selling at my local farmer's market.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was talking to a friend of mine who is great at motivating me and giving me pep talks. She talked about how to first have faith. No matter what God will take care of us if only we will believe. She also told me that if I never try, I will never know if I can succeed. She is absolutely right!<br /><br />I thought I would share with you the reasons why you should go to your local farmer's market. Some of you probably have, but maybe there are a few who never have.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFTsOt1rmLs/Vxj9ZZjkFbI/AAAAAAAABvY/snjgXTT4j503zDLgb_BeR9mrMdegaqgCwCKgB/s1600/Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFTsOt1rmLs/Vxj9ZZjkFbI/AAAAAAAABvY/snjgXTT4j503zDLgb_BeR9mrMdegaqgCwCKgB/s640/Eggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs are a popular item at the farmer's market.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><b>So here are my 7 reasons why you should go to your local farmer's market.</b><br /><div><br /></div><br /><b>1. &nbsp;Great Food!</b><br /><b><br /></b>The food that you buy at the farmer's market is fresh! &nbsp;It hasn't been picked before it's ripe, to sit on a truck as it travels across country, only to sit (again!) on the shelf for who knows how long! &nbsp;If it is baked goods, you know it has been baked within the last 24 hours. &nbsp;You also get to try new things that you might not even see at a regular grocery store. &nbsp;In fact I can't wait to get some more of the apple wood smoked salt one of the vendors sell. It is amazing!<br /><b><br /></b><b>2. &nbsp;Great Price!</b><br /><b><br /></b>When I first started going to the market, I noticed that a lot of times the cost of food was higher than at the grocery store. &nbsp;Not by much, just a few cents. At first my budget-trained mind kicked in and thought, I'm not going to pay that! But then I realized, I'm getting locally raised, organic, top quality food. &nbsp;That few extra cents? &nbsp;Worth it! And it is much cheaper than buying organic in a grocery store. &nbsp;Plus you cut out the middleman. There is nothing better than buying straight from the grower, because...<br /><br /><b>3. &nbsp;</b><b>You Know Where Your Food Comes From</b><br /><b><br /></b>I love knowing where my food comes from. I love knowing that my food comes from a farm that is only a few miles down the road. I love knowing that the produce was picked less than 24 hours from the time that I purchase it. What to know where the food comes from? Ask questions, ask about the farm and their farming practices. They love to share that information with you, and then you will see the value in the items you buy.<br /><br /><b>4. &nbsp;Reduces Carbon Foot Print</b><br /><b><br /></b>I touched on this in reason number one. My veggies and baked goods are not coming from across the country, or even from another country. They did not have to travel thousands of miles in a pollution emitting vehicle. There is also less packaging and less waste. This is a great and easy way to start your trek on becoming environmentally friendly! :-)<br /><br /><b>5. &nbsp;Vendors Are Very&nbsp;Knowledgeable</b><br /><b><br /></b>Vendors are very knowledgeable about their product, they have to be. I got in on a conversation one year about pest control. One shopper was asking the grower what kind of insecticide he used. The answer? He doesn't! At least not a chemically based insecticide. That was music to my ears. But then he went on to give the buyer some options of how to take care of pests naturally. So have if you have a question, ask it! They are more than happy to answer.<br /><br /><b>6. &nbsp;</b><b>Your Money Goes Back Into Your Local Economy</b><br /><b><br /></b>This is so important! I am supporting local farmers. This money is going straight into my local economy, right back into my home town. I want my town to flurish and I want those small (read non-corporate) farms to prosper.<br /><br /><b>7. &nbsp;You Get to Meet Some Great People</b><br /><b><br /></b>The vendors at the farmer's market are some of the most wonderful people that I have met! I love talking to them and getting to know them. The best part, is that they all seem like a big happy family. I have not heard one vendor say anything negative about another vendor. I love that! If someone runs out of an item, then they know where to send you so you can get it from someone else. Unlike the corporate world, they are not out to compete with each other, but to help each other.<br /><br />I hope that I have convinced you to go to your local farmer's market. In fact I hope that you come and visit me and the other vendors at the first farmer's market of our season.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Do you already frequent your farmer's market? &nbsp;Tell me in the comments below your favorite item to buy</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>.</b><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-2378346514183905392016-04-19T10:27:00.002-05:002016-04-19T10:27:41.134-05:00DIY Burp Rags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My niece is expecting her second child, a boy, in May. For her first son, I was able to crochet a beautiful blanket. And I was thrilled when she used the blanket for her son's first professional pictures.<br /><br />This time around however, I have not had time to crochet anything! In fact I wasn't even going to make her anything, I was just going to buy a present, but I started thinking that there must be something that I could make that was easy, cute, and practical.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AIfh2pQcA_U/VxZIplkHGWI/AAAAAAAABuU/OmE8grbZI2kfCoEHxlje03Np6NRfiyy_wCKgB/s1600/Burp%2BRags%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AIfh2pQcA_U/VxZIplkHGWI/AAAAAAAABuU/OmE8grbZI2kfCoEHxlje03Np6NRfiyy_wCKgB/s640/Burp%2BRags%2BTitle.jpg" title="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Searching through pins on Pinterest, I found a couple of ideas and decided on both. One was an idea for a burp rag, and the other was a swaddling blanket. They both looked easy enough, and I thought I would share what my version of the burp rags with you.<br /><br />For my version of this project, I really wanted to use items that I already had on hand, so I decided that a white terry cloth towel would make a great burp cloth. The thing that I love about the towel is that it is absorbent, but not bulky and it fits perfectly over your shoulder.<br /><br />Since my niece is having a boy, I love the idea of appliqueing a tie on one side of the towel. I could have also tried my hand at a teddy bear, but decided that the tie would be easier. For a little girl, a butterfly would be adorable.<br /><br />So here is my towel that I cut into thirds. You can cut yours into however many you want, based on the size of the towel and how big you want your burp rags. I used my mother-in-law's serger on the sides that were raw. You could also zigzag stitch them, or you could hem them as well. For me I'm all about ease and I love using a serger!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEO8ExZP6j8/VxZIrk5ZW5I/AAAAAAAABu0/yMzOjxsfVOYrwmtuCMdq8BXgNjjydrJHwCKgB/s1600/Towels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEO8ExZP6j8/VxZIrk5ZW5I/AAAAAAAABu0/yMzOjxsfVOYrwmtuCMdq8BXgNjjydrJHwCKgB/s640/Towels.jpg" title="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My towel, cut apart and serged.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Next you want to make your template for your tie or what you plan on appliqueing. Here is mine. I just grabbed a sheet of construction paper and free-handed it. The first one I made was too small. So I made a larger one and it worked better with the size of my burp rags.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iF4xAtKdG1M/VxZIrfcKidI/AAAAAAAABu0/iekUAQD0qyEmGnZV0dR0LPn8OWdX82aPQCKgB/s1600/Template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="436" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iF4xAtKdG1M/VxZIrfcKidI/AAAAAAAABu0/iekUAQD0qyEmGnZV0dR0LPn8OWdX82aPQCKgB/s640/Template.jpg" title="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My free-hand template...not too bad from someone who is not artistic!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Then pick out your contrasting fabric. I was planning on using some that I already had, but I didn't have a lot of what would be considered "boys fabric." While I was at Wal-Mart, I found these cute fat quarters and since they were less than a $1.00 each, I decided to get them. I could have bought just one fat quarter and made the towels the same, but I couldn't decide between the fabrics. So I decided to get both. If I had bought just one, it would have yielded me three ties. So that means I have leftover material to make more in the future!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYjUHL6vAik/VxZIrgvMcyI/AAAAAAAABu0/atUEgb5vFjYoSo9euiRkueSNcyTOz8zhwCKgB/s1600/Ties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYjUHL6vAik/VxZIrgvMcyI/AAAAAAAABu0/atUEgb5vFjYoSo9euiRkueSNcyTOz8zhwCKgB/s640/Ties.jpg" title="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ties, ready to be adhered to the towel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Use the template to cut out your ties on your fabric and then use HeatnBond Lite to adhere it to the towel. Iron on the HeatnBond first to your ties. Make sure that you use the lite version, because you want to sew over it. All this does is stick it to the towel so it doesn't move, and it gives it a little substance as well.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWBXvW7LoOs/VxZIqYHTsxI/AAAAAAAABu0/MGJNJsciiYYM4Cyl6ZIYnpKOvdIiJhLKwCKgB/s1600/HeatnBond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWBXvW7LoOs/VxZIqYHTsxI/AAAAAAAABu0/MGJNJsciiYYM4Cyl6ZIYnpKOvdIiJhLKwCKgB/s640/HeatnBond.jpg" title="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure you use the "lite" version.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Once you have ironed the HeatnBond to your tie and you have it positioned onto the towel, then peel off the backing and iron the tie to the towel. If you are unsure about this, just follow the directions on the package, they are really easy. I positioned my tie, 2" from the bottom of the towel, and then left a 1" space between the bottom part of the tie and the top part. That gave me plenty of room for sewing around it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-RlgPUs2NE/VxZIqkyBN6I/AAAAAAAABu0/ZeJHdu9c9dcNMTaRnm1JEjc8J3z7icC-gCKgB/s1600/Laying%2Bit%2Bout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="494" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-RlgPUs2NE/VxZIqkyBN6I/AAAAAAAABu0/ZeJHdu9c9dcNMTaRnm1JEjc8J3z7icC-gCKgB/s640/Laying%2Bit%2Bout.jpg" title="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to sew around.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Once you have it ironed on, then you need to sew around the fabric using a zigzag stitch. The stitch was adjusted so that it is close together. The first one I did, which was the baseball one, was easy. In fact I should have known that it was too easy. My next one was of course the tie with the words on it, and I had some trouble with the thread catching. So while the second one isn't perfect, I finally finished it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4MRcwcMPvE/VxZIpsCJqWI/AAAAAAAABu0/pxDsJd5KwN0HysMSqf2md53CD6dG15yIwCKgB/s1600/Burp%2BRags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4MRcwcMPvE/VxZIpsCJqWI/AAAAAAAABu0/pxDsJd5KwN0HysMSqf2md53CD6dG15yIwCKgB/s640/Burp%2BRags.jpg" title="DIY Burp Rags www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished project...not too shabby!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I thought they turned out pretty good. And they were easy enough a beginning sewer could definitely make these.<br /><br />The best compliment that I got was from my sister-in-law. She said that they looked like they came from a specialty shop. That is really something coming from her, she is the craftiest person I know! She makes me some of the most amazing Christmas gifts!<br /><br />So there you have it. A quick, easy, cute, and practical baby gift. I really wish I had found these before. Everyone would have been getting these great burp rags from me! :-)<br /><br />Let me know in the comments below what you think about these.</div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-34549393620367774072016-04-14T10:40:00.000-05:002016-04-14T10:45:08.590-05:00Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">You may be wondering why I am writing about brownies, thinking "didn't she say they were eating healthy?" Well yes I did say that, but every once in awhile it is good to have a treat. And when they are homemade instead of from a box, then they have the ability to be healthier depending on the ingredients you use.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zCk02SfKcg/Vw-2pSzaUfI/AAAAAAAABs0/wCePNJ1e3vAhK1mAjkjg-P6t1yu9PIb_gCLcB/s1600/Brownies%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zCk02SfKcg/Vw-2pSzaUfI/AAAAAAAABs0/wCePNJ1e3vAhK1mAjkjg-P6t1yu9PIb_gCLcB/s640/Brownies%2BTitle.jpg" title="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />These brownies are ah-ma-zing! I got the recipe from my mother-in-law. They are the easiest, yummiest brownie I have ever made. Did I mention how scrumptious they are?<br /><br />If you like fudgey brownies, then this is the recipe for you. The ease of the recipe and they way you start out reminds me of my <a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2015/08/throw-back-thursday-lazy-womans-cobbler.html" target="_blank">Lazy Woman's Cobbler recipe</a>. But my favorite part about this recipe, besides the chocolaty goodness, is that it is made with staples that most people already have in their kitchen!<br /><br />The other thing that I like about this recipe is that it makes a full 9x13 pan full of brownies. You can't get that size from a box mix!<br /><br />So I won't keep you waiting any longer, here is the fabulous recipe for brownies.<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 cup butter (2 sticks)</li><li>2 cups of sugar</li><li>6 tablespoons of cocoa</li><li>1 1/2 cups flour</li><li>4 eggs</li><li>1 teaspoon vanilla</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-_A6DR5-RY/Vw-21L1YnNI/AAAAAAAABtU/S4vYJCOzggcGeoIamfaGTiAhpfhHHjYfQCKgB/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-_A6DR5-RY/Vw-21L1YnNI/AAAAAAAABtU/S4vYJCOzggcGeoIamfaGTiAhpfhHHjYfQCKgB/s640/Ingredients.jpg" title="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple pantry staple ingredients. I love recipes like this!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven to 350°F. &nbsp;As your oven is preheating, put your two sticks of butter in your pan and put it in the oven to melt.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-_jZ5KyqYA/Vw-23ydMwSI/AAAAAAAABtg/Uw0ypm7sd7o1cLd06AbwnDEPjO5ktmMawCKgB/s1600/Butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-_jZ5KyqYA/Vw-23ydMwSI/AAAAAAAABtg/Uw0ypm7sd7o1cLd06AbwnDEPjO5ktmMawCKgB/s640/Butter.jpg" title="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butter ready to be melted.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As you are waiting on the butter to melt, mix your dry ingredients together in a bowl.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDFHdHORNpg/Vw-2wSBADvI/AAAAAAAABtE/g0JHgxhQioAwtjm9WicUpOEC5W-pfGb-ACKgB/s1600/Dry%2BIngredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDFHdHORNpg/Vw-2wSBADvI/AAAAAAAABtE/g0JHgxhQioAwtjm9WicUpOEC5W-pfGb-ACKgB/s640/Dry%2BIngredients.jpg" title="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry ingredients. Be sure and mix well before adding melted butter.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Put your eggs in a separate bowl. &nbsp;As you can see, I only have 3 eggs. &nbsp;That is because those are duck eggs I am using. &nbsp;They are huge so I only need 3 instead of 4 and the reason I love using duck eggs in baking is because they make your baked goods, lighter. &nbsp;If you only have chicken eggs then use 4. I also added in the vanilla with the eggs after I beat them.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmgqrUbqMhk/Vw-2yFqRFLI/AAAAAAAABtM/CBaxgJ9_L5gKwv_sZldIWpNLEFZrE0ZKwCKgB/s1600/Duck%2BEggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmgqrUbqMhk/Vw-2yFqRFLI/AAAAAAAABtM/CBaxgJ9_L5gKwv_sZldIWpNLEFZrE0ZKwCKgB/s640/Duck%2BEggs.jpg" title="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The duck eggs. Great for baking!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Once the butter is melted, add it to the dry ingredients and mix. &nbsp;The mixture may be a little hot, so instead of adding the eggs, take a little of the butter/dry ingredients mixture and add it to the eggs to temper them. Then add the eggs into the mixture. If you don't do this, you will end up with scrambled eggs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Put the mixture back into the 9x13 pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQmDe6dZVoc/Vw-23rnovyI/AAAAAAAABtc/Z6xk7uXVcUInGy-e6zoNhYxt_sOYzk2OwCKgB/s1600/Ready%2Bto%2BBake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQmDe6dZVoc/Vw-23rnovyI/AAAAAAAABtc/Z6xk7uXVcUInGy-e6zoNhYxt_sOYzk2OwCKgB/s640/Ready%2Bto%2BBake1.jpg" title="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the oven,.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This next part is the hardest part of this recipe. Do your best to let cool, before cutting and eating. It was almost impossible for me to follow this step. In fact I went ahead and cut them while they were still warm, which means they fell apart a little. Really, I don't care, they were still delish!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3GvgY51wNk/Vw-2obLGXFI/AAAAAAAABss/YfjWOhyVq78BP2MQE_pAzCX9nPRnr8e7QCKgB/s1600/Brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3GvgY51wNk/Vw-2obLGXFI/AAAAAAAABss/YfjWOhyVq78BP2MQE_pAzCX9nPRnr8e7QCKgB/s640/Brownies.jpg" title="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why yes, I did take a big bite out of that piece. Yum yum!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The only thing better that I could think of would be to add a scoop of ice cream right on top!</div><div><br /></div><div>The great thing about this recipe is that you can have add-ins to this mix. Like nuts? Add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts in. Want it to be extra chocolaty? Add in some chocolate chips. I have added in the Andes mint chips before for mint chocolate brownies. So good!</div><div><br /></div><div>The other thing that you can do (to keep you from buying the box mix) is to mix up the dry ingredients and put them in a sealed bag ready to add the wet ingredients and bake. You've just made your own box mix! And it is so much better than the store bought stuff!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h095-bGAmUA/Vw-2rH82S-I/AAAAAAAABts/DMgUeUZvSy8u_cYjXRksgfSLdHl14bbCgCKgB/s1600/Brownie%2BMix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="506" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h095-bGAmUA/Vw-2rH82S-I/AAAAAAAABts/DMgUeUZvSy8u_cYjXRksgfSLdHl14bbCgCKgB/s640/Brownie%2BMix.jpg" title="Ooey, Gooey, Fudge Brownies www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now I'm ready to make another batch.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Try out this recipe and let me know what you think! Cooking from scratch has never been so easy or so good!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-21023233793254146862016-04-11T11:00:00.000-05:002016-04-11T11:00:34.742-05:00Video - Night Life on the Farm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A lot of times we aren't able to do chores until night has already fallen. It seems like we have been so busy lately that by the time we get home, it is already dark out.<br /><br />Last night was one of those times. Growing up I was always afraid of the dark. &nbsp;I would never have dared stepped foot outside by myself at night time. &nbsp;But as an adult it doesn't bother me. &nbsp;And being on our farm and our property, I have always felt safe and secure...that is until last night.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7cv_EWtW9w/VuGnUJxpkmI/AAAAAAAABks/iFN4N1fL008UIQJnOMWJESnzYpI-_WRUg/s1600/Ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Video - Night Life on the Farm www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7cv_EWtW9w/VuGnUJxpkmI/AAAAAAAABks/iFN4N1fL008UIQJnOMWJESnzYpI-_WRUg/s640/Ducks.jpg" title="Video - Night Life on the Farm www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We only have two of the ducks pictured above. &nbsp;The first one pictured was killed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Steve and I decided to check on the ducks and look for any duck eggs that the ducks may have laid at the pond. &nbsp;The ducks have been staying at the pond lately, even though we would rather they be in the chicken coop with the chickens to keep them safe. In fact if we can catch them when they are in the backyard in the evening, we will herd them into the coop.<br /><br />Last night we had just made it down to the pond when I heard a high-pitched noise. I stopped dead in my tracks and asked Steve what that was. I had no sooner asked him, when the howling started. I can't even begin to tell you how close that howling was. I stood there paralyzed, the hair on the back of my neck raised, not knowing what to do.<br /><br />It seemed like an eternity as we stood there listening to those blood curdling howls. &nbsp;At one point I thought they might be after us. Steve told me to get out my camera and start filming to catch their howls. I tried to turn my camera on as fast as I could so I could catch it, but Abby our faithful border collie ran the coyotes off almost immediately. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbtDVwOE9HA/VktFQNnhEUI/AAAAAAAABKY/E6Fas0kAPrQrS7RnvheC3DgPNBnO9oUYw/s1600/Abby%2Band%2BCarly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Video - Night Life on the Farm www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbtDVwOE9HA/VktFQNnhEUI/AAAAAAAABKY/E6Fas0kAPrQrS7RnvheC3DgPNBnO9oUYw/s640/Abby%2Band%2BCarly.jpg" title="Video - Night Life on the Farm www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby, our sweet protector.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What was just a matter of seconds, seemed like an eternity. &nbsp;I kept videoing and we kept searching for the eggs. &nbsp;The ducks were swimming on the pond and seemed to not be disturbed at all by the sounds that had just happened. Abby stayed by our side until we got back to the house.<br /><br />Here is the video as we go and search for the ducks and the eggs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Lyv5xBAfn2c/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lyv5xBAfn2c?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Want to see more videos about our family and life on the farm? Be sure and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a video.</div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-10360044324825771132016-04-07T10:59:00.000-05:002016-04-07T10:59:10.231-05:00One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr">Our journey to healthier eating is continuing. This week has been hard but only because I don't have a written meal plan. Seriously, the meal plan helped a ton last week, more than I really thought it would. The funny thing is that we didn't follow it to a tee, but just having meals written down, gave me a guide to follow.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">This week, I didn't take the time to make a nightly meal plan and I am scrambling to figure out what to fix. The only thing that has saved us is that we still have plenty of healthy organic foods to choose from, so meals are pretty easy to whip together, even if I do have to stand in front of an open fridge door for five minutes! &nbsp;:-)</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I was trying to decide what to make for supper last night when I saw a <i>Tasty</i> video. Have you seen these videos? They always seen to show up right when you are realizing how hungry you are. Then they take a recipe that you might not otherwise try, and show you how to make it in a couple of minutes long video. &nbsp;They make these recipes look so good and so easy! Thanks to these videos, anyone can be a chef!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsQl61-MozU/VwaCI9ShLwI/AAAAAAAABrE/LAP0B4D3YaktaZUsO2-ar_UyO7oHYoraA/s1600/Ready%2Bto%2Beat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsQl61-MozU/VwaCI9ShLwI/AAAAAAAABrE/LAP0B4D3YaktaZUsO2-ar_UyO7oHYoraA/s640/Ready%2Bto%2Beat.jpg" title="One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One-Pan Sausage and Pasta</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">The recipe video that caught my eye yesterday afternoon was for One-Pan Sausage and Pasta. I knew I had all the ingredients and thought it would be a perfect recipe to try. Plus it only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. &nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div dir="ltr">Here are the ingredients for the dish:</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WOA_2QCJ9Qs/VwaCI586IxI/AAAAAAAABrI/WpSWlyQs4DU5SK307hkWcwQqh0LQmHQDA/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WOA_2QCJ9Qs/VwaCI586IxI/AAAAAAAABrI/WpSWlyQs4DU5SK307hkWcwQqh0LQmHQDA/s640/Ingredients.jpg" title="One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The players for this meal, and that's white pepper in the container.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Notice, that all my ingredients are organic. Yes we are still doing organic. There are two ingredients that are missing from the picture above. One is water and the other is garlic. The recipe called for 4 cloves of garlic and I forgot that I used all my garlic for my bone broth. I decided to just used garlic powder instead. &nbsp;Next time, real garlic cloves would be better.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">The sausage the recipe called for was smoked andouille sausage, but I used sausage I purchased at Aldi. It is Kirkwood's Never Any! chicken sausage with tomatoes and basil. This sausage was perfect with this dish since it called for grape tomatoes and fresh basil. The sausage is fully cooked so I didn't have to worry about whether or not it was done, I just had to make sure and warm it through. &nbsp;Side note: I love the Never Any! line from Aldi. &nbsp;Their ham lunch meat is amazing and I can't wait to try the whole chicken that they now have available.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Making the Recipe:</b></div><div dir="ltr">To make the recipe, I sautéed the onions in olive oil first and sprinkled some garlic powder over them. Then I added in salt, then laid the spaghetti (a 1 pound box) in next, then continued with tomatoes, basil, and sausage. Once everything was in the pan, I added in 4 1/2 cups of water. </div><div dir="ltr">I let this come to a boil, turned down the heat to low, put a cover on the pan, and let simmer for 10 minutes. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZYJFTkgpuw/VwaCJbeYiJI/AAAAAAAABrM/KZjjer4-e7kKp8EiJR8NHw_iX5BwwyCxw/s1600/Tomatoes%2Bbasil%2Bsausage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZYJFTkgpuw/VwaCJbeYiJI/AAAAAAAABrM/KZjjer4-e7kKp8EiJR8NHw_iX5BwwyCxw/s640/Tomatoes%2Bbasil%2Bsausage.jpg" title="One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful tomatoes, basil, and sausage.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">At this time, the recipe says that the water should be absorbed by the cooking spaghetti and the spaghetti should be at the al dente stage. &nbsp;Mine was not. &nbsp;I did need to cook it a little longer, but only a couple of minutes longer.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I added a little pepper (I used white pepper) and some Parmesan cheese and&nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">voilà</span></span>!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first thing I noticed was how much spaghetti was in the pan. &nbsp;That one pound box made a ton! Thankfully my parents came to supper last night, or we would be eating on this for days! Also it was a little void of flavor. I'm wondering if that was because of the switch in sausages. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rsQpEvrNWU/VwaCI86tTII/AAAAAAAABrA/5WZYEK4OAwc1iG8_sDrARlixfjitij2KQ/s1600/Ready%2Bto%2Bcook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rsQpEvrNWU/VwaCI86tTII/AAAAAAAABrA/5WZYEK4OAwc1iG8_sDrARlixfjitij2KQ/s640/Ready%2Bto%2Bcook.jpg" title="One-Pan Sausage and Pasta: A Review www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to cook.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>What I Loved About This Recipe:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I loved the ease of this recipe. I loved that I could cook everything in one pot. And I loved that it didn't take very long for me to cook! In fact during 12 minutes that I had to let it simmer, I was able to make a nice side salad to go with our meal.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>What I Would Do Different:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't care for all the pasta, so if I make this again, I would only use half of the one pound box. &nbsp;And then of course, I would need to decrease my water as well. &nbsp;I would try about 3 cups and see how that does. &nbsp;I would also add in more veggies. &nbsp;Some nice mushrooms and some colorful peppers would be amazing in this dish. &nbsp;I would also add in some Italian herbs to kick things up a notch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall Rating:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would rate this recipe a B+ with the way that I made it last night. &nbsp;Who knows it might have been better with the real garlic cloves and smoked andouille sausage. &nbsp;But I think the real problem for me was the excess pasta and lack of veggies. &nbsp;But of course that is my personal preference. &nbsp;Do I recommend it? &nbsp;Yes, it is a great recipe for the weeknight when you don't have a lot of time to cook and you want something good and this can rival take-out any day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Funny, but I can't find the video from Tasty that I saw yesterday. &nbsp;However, I do know that they based their recipe from another site. &nbsp;So if you would like to get the recipe, I'm going to direct you there. <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/05/16/one-pot-pasta/" target="_blank">Click here for the recipe</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you made any of these one pot pasta dishes? &nbsp;Let me know what you think in the comments below!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-71165246971401301642016-04-05T08:37:00.001-05:002016-04-05T08:37:59.675-05:00Life and Death on the Farm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">About a year ago, I wrote a <a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2015/06/sometimes-i-wonder-if-it-worth-it.html" target="_blank">post</a> about farm life and if it really is worth all the trouble. &nbsp;Fast forward a year and the troubles are happening again, but in a deadlier version. &nbsp;But I will get to that a little later.<br /><br />First I want to introduce you to our newest family members. &nbsp;This is what I love about having a farm. The babies and the new family that we introduce on our farm. The new life that makes you feel so good and happy inside.<br /><br />One of the things that I love about our public school is that in kindergarten and first grade, the classes get to hatch ducks and/or chickens. &nbsp;They learn all about the process and the life cycle. &nbsp;They get to see something that most do not get to witness, even in this rural area. I have never see children so excited. &nbsp;Talk about a true hands-on learning experience. &nbsp;That is something that they will always remember. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVQ9cE53j1I/VwO-J-zY6-I/AAAAAAAABqM/0WShx6DBIhQPOwcKvCE-2oXWYgh9pe7jw/s1600/Chicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVQ9cE53j1I/VwO-J-zY6-I/AAAAAAAABqM/0WShx6DBIhQPOwcKvCE-2oXWYgh9pe7jw/s640/Chicks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they cute?</td></tr></tbody></table>The only thing is that once they chicks and ducks hatch, they need a place to go, We were lucky enough to be able to get 5 chicks from Carly's class to take home with us. &nbsp;They are the cutest things and we get to experience raising chickens from the chick stage. &nbsp;Before, we always bought pullets because we were afraid that we didn't have the time involved to take care of them. &nbsp;But since we raised ducks up last year from babies, we thought we could do the same with the chicks.<br /><br />We are hoping to get a couple of more ducks as well. There is a class that is currently trying to hatch some ducks and hopefully if they all hatch, we will get a couple of them. <br /><br />But chicks aren't the only addition to our family. We have another one as well.<br /><br />Carly has always wanted a bunny. From the time she was 4, she has been asking for one. We have always put her off saying that we didn't have a place for one and we didn't have the time to take care of it.<br /><br />Well, this weekend we finally gave in. But there is a catch. She had to pay for the bunny, she has to take care of the bunny, and she has to do extra chores in order to help pay for feed.<br /><br />Meet Rocky:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOx3UntwMtU/VwO-cYx4wTI/AAAAAAAABqY/Hd_xavLp32g-A_lebhhYSHoBTiDTot4bw/s1600/Rocky%2Bon%2BSteve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOx3UntwMtU/VwO-cYx4wTI/AAAAAAAABqY/Hd_xavLp32g-A_lebhhYSHoBTiDTot4bw/s640/Rocky%2Bon%2BSteve.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet, totally adorable, floppy-eared bunny. I'm in love!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Rocky is short for Rock Star. &nbsp;That's right! We have a rock star living in our house. ;-)<br /><br />We are not sure if it is a boy or girl, but it is the sweetest thing ever! This little bunny is so docile and loves to explore. I'm glad for this addition to our home. Steve and Carly will be building a rabbit hutch this summer so look for that post to be coming in the future.<br /><br />Now for the bad.<br /><br />We have lost a couple of our animals. First is was one of our guineas. It disappeared while we were away for the weekend. We even had Steve's daughter come and check on our animals. We came home to a pile of feathers.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOOsKO1fLL0/VwO-S6WgriI/AAAAAAAABqQ/2BNvOI0vD-cJ4euLnsRRkXe68_BFgOdxA/s1600/Guinea%2BFeathers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOOsKO1fLL0/VwO-S6WgriI/AAAAAAAABqQ/2BNvOI0vD-cJ4euLnsRRkXe68_BFgOdxA/s640/Guinea%2BFeathers1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With this many feathers you know the outcome can't be good.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The worst part was that four days later the guinea showed up in our yard dead. So now I'm wondering, did it get away from the original attack, only to come back home to be killed? I really thought that maybe one of our dogs had ended up killing it, but now I'm not so sure. They are rarely every aggressive to our birds, so it wouldn't be like them to kill one of them.<br /><br />I posted a <a href="https://youtu.be/0VUacS4_sLY" target="_blank">YouTube video</a> of the sound of coyotes that run across our back field every night. &nbsp;Well, the other morning, after Steve got up to go to work, he heard Abby (our border collie) going crazy. He got the spotlight out, and shined it into our backyard and just beyond the electric fence stood a coyote. As soon as the light hit it, Abby took off like a crazed and vicious animal (she is honestly so sweet) and tore into that coyote and drove it down past our creek.<br /><br />This is one of the reasons why we have the dogs that we do. They are both stock dog breeds and very protective. While they may be part of our family, they do have a function on our farm, and that is to keep us and our animals safe.<br /><br />We started talking about beefing up security. We need to redo the chicken run. The chickens can now get out and they roam free all day long. I love it, but it is no longer safe for them.<br /><br />But the guinea is not the only one we lost. We also lost one of our ducks. Our one and only male duck. I didn't find a pile of feathers like I did with the guinea. It only took one...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lvz8MOR20U/VwO-UP2w5SI/AAAAAAAABqU/ZC0Jq3zqS_UZRWk2NF2LKaqvpji0b3brQ/s1600/Bloody%2BFeather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lvz8MOR20U/VwO-UP2w5SI/AAAAAAAABqU/ZC0Jq3zqS_UZRWk2NF2LKaqvpji0b3brQ/s640/Bloody%2BFeather.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the last thing I wanted to see.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I also found some paw prints.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZC3uz9VkYY/VwO-doeOrtI/AAAAAAAABqc/apZEjvR4fow4_yipOcgy5QcGTd-NRp4WA/s1600/Paw%2BPrint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZC3uz9VkYY/VwO-doeOrtI/AAAAAAAABqc/apZEjvR4fow4_yipOcgy5QcGTd-NRp4WA/s640/Paw%2BPrint.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the paw prints I found.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />These are too large to belong to one of our dogs.<br /><br />So now the hunt is on. Our first priority will be to drop everything and start working on our chicken pen. They are not going to be as happy, but they will still be alive. And this summer, we hope to get a chicken tractor built so they can still roam where there is fresh grass, but still be protected. And of course while we are home, they can roam free all over our yard.<br /><br /><b>So take a look at the paw print for me, and if you recognize it, let me know in the comments below what you think it is. </b>&nbsp;Is it a coyote? We also have bobcats around here as well.</div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-73473800062955389782016-03-31T12:22:00.003-05:002016-03-31T15:42:29.106-05:00Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My darling hubby, Steve was diagnosed with diabetes 6 years ago. &nbsp;It's hard to believe it has been 6 years! It was a shock to us, but when we really started thinking about our diet, it was easy to see why. &nbsp;Steve had this habit of eating one meal a day, and that meal would be huge to make up for not eating the rest of the day. &nbsp;This reeked havoc on his blood sugar without him ever knowing.<br /><br />Once the diagnosis was made, and we attended nutrition classes, we really got on the ball and stuck to a diet that not only helped him lose weight, but also lower his blood sugar. &nbsp;It took a couple of years for this to happen, but it did happen.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpMpixWSnfA/Vv1SJ2Y7fyI/AAAAAAAABpE/-H5TF8Uh-QgLw2jp4ShRJaNcEIeGkZFaw/s1600/Bone%2BBroth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpMpixWSnfA/Vv1SJ2Y7fyI/AAAAAAAABpE/-H5TF8Uh-QgLw2jp4ShRJaNcEIeGkZFaw/s640/Bone%2BBroth.jpg" title="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of a beautiful bone broth. &nbsp;Nature's elixir of youth.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was bound and determined to be as supportive as I could so I decided to follow his diet as well, only tailor it to female proportions. &nbsp;In doing so, I lost 45 pounds over a year's time. &nbsp;I was able to keep the weight off, until the past year and a half. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BYyL6fB6wU/Vv1SJ3aOzVI/AAAAAAAABo4/qK_JtD5ExOAOINLHOVF-IWVOws0Cc90qg/s1600/Purple%2BPotatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BYyL6fB6wU/Vv1SJ3aOzVI/AAAAAAAABo4/qK_JtD5ExOAOINLHOVF-IWVOws0Cc90qg/s640/Purple%2BPotatoes.jpg" title="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful purple potatoes, high in antioxidants, they can help lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It is so easy to ease back into bad habits. &nbsp;Life can get pretty hectic, and during the winter, when we don't have the fresh veggies coming out of our garden to eat, we end up taking advantage of fast foods and convenience foods. &nbsp;But once we start eating those, the pounds pack back on. &nbsp;And Steve's blood sugar starts creeping up (he had lowered it with diet and exercise), and his cholesterol started to rise. <br /><br />Here's the kicker. &nbsp;It isn't just our health that is of concern, but it is our children as well. &nbsp;We can tell our kids all we want not to drink soda or eat junk food, but if they see mom and dad throwing back a can of soda and a bag of chips, then what does that tell them?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6OGHa7T_EXs/Vv1YPZmfbTI/AAAAAAAABpQ/z8u72nCc1B4Kn317gUaZ7Ml5-HcH2ULug/s1600/Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6OGHa7T_EXs/Vv1YPZmfbTI/AAAAAAAABpQ/z8u72nCc1B4Kn317gUaZ7Ml5-HcH2ULug/s640/Quote.jpg" title="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this quote. &nbsp;It says so much about our society.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So in order to get us back on track and teach our kids good nutrition, we have started eating healthier. I won't say we are on a diet. In fact I absolutely hate that word and how people have used it in a negative way. Really there is nothing wrong with the word. The actual definition from Merriam Webster is "food and drink regularly provided and consumed" and the next one is "habitual nourishment." I kind of like that last one. It is not until the fourth definition provided that it talks about diet being a way to lose weight. <br /><br />I have already shared a couple of recipes with you that would fall into the almost healthy range. &nbsp;I say <i>almost</i>&nbsp;healthy because they could do with a little tweaking to make them even better.&nbsp;One of them is <a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2016/01/lentil-sloppy-joes.html" target="_blank">Lentil Sloppy Joes</a>. We made these again last night, but I used red split lentils instead of the green lentils.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEIGMW5bTyI/Vv1SLDtxWHI/AAAAAAAABpA/xVVTSF6qurQ7ekL_8HlnGO4-gL0mRvmdA/s1600/Red%2BLentils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEIGMW5bTyI/Vv1SLDtxWHI/AAAAAAAABpA/xVVTSF6qurQ7ekL_8HlnGO4-gL0mRvmdA/s640/Red%2BLentils.jpg" title="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't the color gorgeous! They are a great source of fiber and protein and are also packed with B vitamins and iron.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I also cut way down on the amount of sugar. Instead of the 1/2 of cup that the recipe calls for, I used 1/4 of a cup. &nbsp;The rest of the recipe stays the same, but this time, I added some fresh mushrooms and diced tomatoes to the sauce. &nbsp;It was yummy! &nbsp;In fact Carly loved it so much that she took the leftovers to school with her for her lunch. &nbsp;Now I call that a win!<br /><br />We are trying to eat foods with an abundance of color (like the purple potatoes pictured above). &nbsp;We also have cut down on our snacks, unless they are healthy (like yellow, orange, white, and purple carrots!) and we have cut down on our portions. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJR_0piMNy0/Vv1SKuBGwTI/AAAAAAAABpE/MRkBuEa955Ag8kmELeEDRtJNhGFNehGBw/s1600/Yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJR_0piMNy0/Vv1SKuBGwTI/AAAAAAAABpE/MRkBuEa955Ag8kmELeEDRtJNhGFNehGBw/s640/Yogurt.jpg" title="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite breakfasts, plain organic yogurt with frozen fruit and pumpkin flax granola.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The other thing that we are changing is purchasing organic. Not only is it healthier for you, but the food really does taste better. Think you can't afford organic? Then you need to revisit the stores. The organic versions are only a few dimes higher than the non-organic. Some of them are even the same or less if they are on sale! &nbsp;Another way to get inexpensive organic veggies is to grow them yourself. You don't need a big plot of land, you can plant seeds in flower pots. Don't want to grow them yourself? Another great place to get organic produce is at your local farmer's market.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CXv9o2seeQ/Vv1SJzoL5bI/AAAAAAAABpE/aPeBB_V3R8gX-9YLLlGe-KVtw6YTdVPeQ/s1600/Organic%2BGroceries%2Bfrom%2BAldi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" border="0" height="314" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CXv9o2seeQ/Vv1SJzoL5bI/AAAAAAAABpE/aPeBB_V3R8gX-9YLLlGe-KVtw6YTdVPeQ/s640/Organic%2BGroceries%2Bfrom%2BAldi.jpg" title="Our Journey Towards Healthier Eating www.hensleefarmadventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My organic and non-GMO groceries from Aldi!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So from here on, you will be seeing healthier recipes from me. &nbsp;And with the garden season starting, it will (hopefully) be with veggies that we grow ourselves. &nbsp;I hope that you will stick with me through this and that you will make baby steps as we are in striving to eat healthy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-68658230372402182492016-03-29T11:04:00.001-05:002016-03-29T11:05:15.582-05:00It's Spring Time!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I absolutely love spring! &nbsp;Flowers are blooming, gardens get planted and that means fresh veggies and canning season right around the corner. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kZLjOZ5A-M/VvqjilvzxCI/AAAAAAAABmg/IKvaT5DPaxEuA_vGGVjZYzeZPU147dh9A/s1600/Window%2Bsill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kZLjOZ5A-M/VvqjilvzxCI/AAAAAAAABmg/IKvaT5DPaxEuA_vGGVjZYzeZPU147dh9A/s640/Window%2Bsill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't wait until the produce I have on my window ledge actually comes from my garden!</td></tr></tbody></table>We are getting our garden beds ready to plant. &nbsp;I am glad that I have held off because we have had some hard freezes still yet in our area. &nbsp;However I believe that we are ready to go ahead and plant some veggies. <br /><br />In the past we have always tilled a big 40 foot by 60 foot plot and planted, but we had so much rain last year, that nothing grew, except a pond of course! ;-) &nbsp;That is when we decided to make raised garden beds (<span style="color: #cc0000;">you can read about how we made them <a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2015/08/how-to-make-raised-garden-beds-for-fall.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span>). &nbsp;This year there isn't much to do to get them ready except add a little soil. &nbsp;And the exciting thing is that while we did have to buy some soil this year, next year we won't have to. &nbsp;We should have enough compost to add to our garden beds, and after all that is what we are striving to do, to become self-sufficient.<br /><br />So I thought I would share some pictures with you about how we are getting ready on the farm for our garden. &nbsp;The pictures below only show one of our garden beds. &nbsp;We currently have three and will be adding more this summer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKDwd4dxwnE/Vvqjh-sAucI/AAAAAAAABmQ/MhzUPxIX0RAOKMsBSSSsWdYtosHfJ8hZA/s1600/Adding%2Bsoil%2Bto%2Bgarden%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKDwd4dxwnE/Vvqjh-sAucI/AAAAAAAABmQ/MhzUPxIX0RAOKMsBSSSsWdYtosHfJ8hZA/s640/Adding%2Bsoil%2Bto%2Bgarden%2Bbed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the soil</td></tr></tbody></table>I can't stress how important it is to let your kids help with the gardening. &nbsp;We <i>have</i>&nbsp;to teach our younger generation where food comes from, good nutrition from fresh veggies, and how they can feed themselves as they get older. &nbsp;I am so glad to see that gardening and canning are making a comeback, because it is an art that should never be lost!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3i9KU49-xM/Vvqji0sV64I/AAAAAAAABmk/E7sIHjaCHpsCpOFHA0JW5m52vlnhaTJ-g/s1600/Working%2Bin%2Bthe%2BSoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3i9KU49-xM/Vvqji0sV64I/AAAAAAAABmk/E7sIHjaCHpsCpOFHA0JW5m52vlnhaTJ-g/s640/Working%2Bin%2Bthe%2BSoil.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But Mom, we <i>have </i>to spread the dirt around with our hands!</td></tr></tbody></table>I can't blame them, I love getting my hands and bare feet in fresh soil. &nbsp;There is nothing that feels better. &nbsp;The soil we bought did end up with a lot of clumps, so getting them out was a job that my kids loved!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzptRhWd0wA/Vvqjh1BjUWI/AAAAAAAABms/--A_EzpOT3c6ZMH0DCr3h-w_vHTFVOh-g/s1600/Leveling%2Bthe%2Bsoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzptRhWd0wA/Vvqjh1BjUWI/AAAAAAAABms/--A_EzpOT3c6ZMH0DCr3h-w_vHTFVOh-g/s640/Leveling%2Bthe%2Bsoil.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why, yes! That is a poodle skirt she is wearing to garden. :-)</td></tr></tbody></table>Here they are leveling out the soil. &nbsp;Next come the seeds. &nbsp;My dear friend Amy gave me some wonderful seeds that she had and wasn't going to use. &nbsp;It was like Christmas and my birthday all wrapped up into one looking through those seed packets. &nbsp;I was trying to figure out which ones to plant, there were just so many to choose from!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pU0Nav7s3OU/VvqjiRZUrVI/AAAAAAAABms/2lCwvuLP_GoWbh0iwNpIbQ_AU6b0G3HRg/s1600/Seed%2Bpackets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pU0Nav7s3OU/VvqjiRZUrVI/AAAAAAAABms/2lCwvuLP_GoWbh0iwNpIbQ_AU6b0G3HRg/s640/Seed%2Bpackets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the seeds I will plant.</td></tr></tbody></table>I have not had good luck with carrots in the past, but each year I keep trying and I am bound and determined to grow some, someday. &nbsp;I really think our soil is just too rocky, but hopefully with the raised beds, that will help the situation.<br /><br />I also thought I would share a couple of pictures that to me mean springtime.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AfxMKBDu-g/VvqjiIXjTzI/AAAAAAAABms/ZEEKT28gXlQiIUeUkcwvK6N9ofT7W-kUg/s1600/Forsythia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AfxMKBDu-g/VvqjiIXjTzI/AAAAAAAABms/ZEEKT28gXlQiIUeUkcwvK6N9ofT7W-kUg/s640/Forsythia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our forsythia bush</td></tr></tbody></table>Growing up we always had forsythias. &nbsp;I love their yellow flowers in the spring and lush green leaves in the summer. &nbsp;They are almost always the first thing to bloom letting us know that spring is almost here. &nbsp;I planted this little guy from a small start about 4 years ago. &nbsp;It is slow growing, but it is growing and each year, I get more and more blooms. &nbsp;I just love it!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnydbxCD8vs/Vvqji5ywsjI/AAAAAAAABms/agVo4Ogn2xw7UbwhqpQEfRtX4rYXU0sdg/s1600/dogwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnydbxCD8vs/Vvqji5ywsjI/AAAAAAAABms/agVo4Ogn2xw7UbwhqpQEfRtX4rYXU0sdg/s640/dogwood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogwood bloom</td></tr></tbody></table>This is one of those pictures that I didn't think was going to turn out, but I was pleasantly surprised. Dogwoods are another one that signifies the start of spring to me. &nbsp;I have tried to grow dogwood trees in my yard, but they don't make it. &nbsp;They need cover, which is why they grow in wooded areas so well. They love the cover of the taller trees. &nbsp;I hope someday to have a pink dogwood tree near my house that I can enjoy.<br /><br />So how are your plants blooming? &nbsp;Do you have a favorite spring flower or tree? &nbsp;Let me know in the comments below!<br /><br /><br /></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-87969516227914780062016-03-24T08:00:00.000-05:002016-03-24T08:00:22.120-05:00Saying Goodbye to My Little Boy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr">Today is my son's birthday.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDFMOZv1XU0/VvK465jgB6I/AAAAAAAABlg/thO_DvhAJUoBCYaQmg-hy0VAdktQ0LROw/s1600/Drew%2BClowning%2BAround.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDFMOZv1XU0/VvK465jgB6I/AAAAAAAABlg/thO_DvhAJUoBCYaQmg-hy0VAdktQ0LROw/s640/Drew%2BClowning%2BAround.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clowning around with his sister.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I know this should bring happy thoughts and excitement, parties and celebrations, but this year I can't help but being a little sad.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I have always heard about people having a midlife crisis. They hit a certain age and become depressed with the knowledge that they are getting older. I think I might be having one of those. My thoughts race back to past times and my younger years. Times that were happy, and some that were sad. Times that I would never want to repeat, and yet there are some memories that I would like to experience again.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLsoXkoG0AI/VvK469uWkOI/AAAAAAAABlk/sHIW8fzhEq4ozDzxLoHA63FsYdXaw2URg/s1600/Me%2Band%2BDrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLsoXkoG0AI/VvK469uWkOI/AAAAAAAABlk/sHIW8fzhEq4ozDzxLoHA63FsYdXaw2URg/s640/Me%2Band%2BDrew.jpg" width="548" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Date night with my little man.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr">But all of this has nothing to do with my age, not really. Even though I am in my 40s, I haven't hit an age that depresses me. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">No, my midlife crisis has nothing to do with how old I'm getting, but how old my kids are getting.</div><div dir="ltr">It could be that the problem is made worse with all the babies that seem to be arriving. In fact we will have a new baby in our family in May (my great-nephew). Going against what I said in an earlier post, I am now looking at Drew and longing for the days when I could hold him and cuddle with him.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc7ZAM06cRI/VvK46Rmh7cI/AAAAAAAABls/EhwNLjpZBFoxd17s0v18z5kkUPbikE5AA/s1600/At%2Bthe%2BChristmas%2BParade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc7ZAM06cRI/VvK46Rmh7cI/AAAAAAAABls/EhwNLjpZBFoxd17s0v18z5kkUPbikE5AA/s640/At%2Bthe%2BChristmas%2BParade.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At our town's 2015 Christmas Parade.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr">This birthday is especially hard because we are having to say goodbye. Drew is now 10 so we are saying goodbye to the single digits. And while it is not unanimous on when the tween years officially begin, the consensus seems to be at age 10, which means we are also saying goodbye to childhood.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">So this year we are celebrating Drew's birthday by going away. We were invited to stay with some friends at their land (in the Ozarks, people don't have vacation homes, they have "land") there will be no big "friend" birthday party, (well maybe later, it is his 10th afterall) just a basketball cake, good friends, and we will quietly say goodbye to childhood and hello to the tween years.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9VBDyIXApE/VvK49CAoXHI/AAAAAAAABlo/nRxLLjIsEBQqAP5micUUMDMqcgAIkbJTA/s1600/Mona%2BDrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9VBDyIXApE/VvK49CAoXHI/AAAAAAAABlo/nRxLLjIsEBQqAP5micUUMDMqcgAIkbJTA/s640/Mona%2BDrew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mona Drew</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr">But somewhere deep inside, my little boy is still there. &nbsp;The little boy who still calls me mama. The little boy that still let's me hug him and give him kisses. The little boy that still snuggles up to me on the couch while I'm reading aloud. But while that little boy is still there in certain ways, &nbsp;it is getting harder with each passing year to still see the little boy in him. He is almost as big as I am. &nbsp;And will soon be bigger.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">So goodbye single digits, goodbye childhood, goodbye little boy. I know you are growing into a wonderful young man. </div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-39887402292427836592016-03-10T11:03:00.000-06:002016-03-10T11:04:22.769-06:007 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">Last year, about this time, I received a phone call from a friend wanting to know if we wanted some ducklings.&nbsp; Without even thinking I blurted out, yes! Then realized it would probably be better if I asked my husband, Steve first before I commit us to this new endeavor.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Steve and I had already discussed adding ducks to our growing farm.&nbsp; It was something that we wanted to do, but we needed to build a floating duck house (Be sure and watch our video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPvczCrHBak" target="_blank">building a floating duck house</a>), and find a good place for them to grow before going to our pond.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Steve reminded me of all this, and I reminded him that we got chickens before we had a chicken coop.&nbsp; We tend to do things like that.&nbsp; We always put our cart before the horse.&nbsp; If we waited until we were ready, nothing would happen!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So Steve agreed, with reservations of course, and I excitedly once again told my friend, yes!&nbsp; She didn’t know how many there would be.&nbsp; Anywhere from 2-7, but she would let us know when they were ready. So excitedly we went about the rest of the evening planning and dreaming, anxious to get started on our new adventure.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then time past, and we didn’t get any ducks.&nbsp; And so we waited.&nbsp; Still no ducks.&nbsp; And we waited some more. And still no ducks.&nbsp; We actually thought that we weren’t going to get them.&nbsp; We kept asking and wondering.&nbsp; The kids kept asking and wanting to know when the ducks were coming.&nbsp; We even went to pick them up one night from my friend’s house, but they hadn’t been delivered.&nbsp; Things were looking pretty grim about actually getting any ducks and Steve and I had pretty much decided that it was probably for the best.&nbsp; Then at what I thought was the worst possible time (one week after I had major surgery), we got our ducklings.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5vLt4w9g0U/VuGnTy2nBMI/AAAAAAAABkc/ELtX15LgU-8/s1600/Ducks%2Bon%2BPond.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5vLt4w9g0U/VuGnTy2nBMI/AAAAAAAABkc/ELtX15LgU-8/s640/Ducks%2Bon%2BPond.JPG" title="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">They were absolutely adorable!&nbsp; We ended up getting 4 ducks and we immediately fell in love.&nbsp; I realized that the timing was perfect.&nbsp; With me unable to do anything but look at them (and even then it was only for a few seconds) the kids HAD to pitch in and do their share to take care of the ducks. &nbsp;Of course Steve had a big hand in the ducks’ welfare and I am so grateful!&nbsp; When Steve had to go back to work, but I still wasn’t able to take care of myself, let alone anything else, my parents would come over and my dad took care of those little ducklings.&nbsp; I think he enjoyed it!&nbsp; Or at least if he didn’t, he sure didn’t complain.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EnLCbIzt-U/VuGnT7Yrg7I/AAAAAAAABks/DYsFkHW_W7s/s1600/Ducks%2BSwimming.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EnLCbIzt-U/VuGnT7Yrg7I/AAAAAAAABks/DYsFkHW_W7s/s640/Ducks%2BSwimming.JPG" title="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After having them for almost a year, there have been a few things that we have learned.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>1. Ducks are extremely messy and smelly!<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I really had no idea how messy they are until we got them.&nbsp; They love to splash in the water!&nbsp; And not just puddles or ponds.&nbsp; They like to splash in their drinking water.&nbsp; They also mix the water and food together and then it gets everywhere.&nbsp; If you have to keep them inside (we did until it warmed up and they were older), then I must warn you about the smell.&nbsp; We had to clean out their little home twice a day.&nbsp; It was almost impossible to keep it clean!&nbsp; We don’t have a garage, so inside the house was where they stayed.&nbsp; If you have a garage, that would be much better!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>2. Ducks are surprisingly resilient.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">We almost killed one of our ducks unknowingly.&nbsp; We thought it would be a great idea to fill up a little tub and let them swim.&nbsp; What we didn’t think about was that they water, straight from our well was icy cold.&nbsp; One little duck, the runt of the bunch, got too cold and almost died.&nbsp; It because lifeless and I grabbed a towel and wrapped it up and gently rubbed it.&nbsp; It started to revive, but I knew it needed more warmth.&nbsp; So I heated up one of our rice bags and put the bag under the towel that I had the duck wrapped in.&nbsp; It survived, thank goodness!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then another duck got trampled by the others while they were outside.&nbsp; It was unintentional, but we thought this little duck was a goner for sure.&nbsp; We separated it and took special care of it.&nbsp; It took a couple of days, but was soon well again and able to function.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>3. Ducks make great watch dogs.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember when we got our guineas my mom warned me that they would be loud.&nbsp; Well, it wasn’t the guineas that were loud, but the ducks!&nbsp; Not all the time mind you, just when something was going on that shouldn’t be.&nbsp; Their quacks were definitely loud enough for us to hear inside the house, and we always knew that when we heard them, we needed to check on them.&nbsp; They are great watch dogs!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>4. Ducks love to eat dog food!<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">We do not intentionally feed our ducks dog food.&nbsp; Our ducks, chickens and guineas roam free in our yard.&nbsp; So if the dogs have not eaten all their food from the night before (we have to feed them at night when the animals are all put up so they actually get to eat!) then the ducks go straight to the food and finish it off for them!&nbsp; Our poor dogs, they don’t quite know what to do.&nbsp; They know better than to hurt the ducks, they have been trained.&nbsp; So they just lay there and watch them eat. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-XQx1T3taM/VuGnUR0cJaI/AAAAAAAABko/n-QPez74OJg/s1600/Lynn%2Band%2BAbby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="326" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-XQx1T3taM/VuGnUR0cJaI/AAAAAAAABko/n-QPez74OJg/s640/Lynn%2Band%2BAbby.jpg" title="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Lynn and Abby, the ducks eat all their food.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>5. Duck eggs are delicious!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Duck eggs are a bonus!&nbsp; They are extremely delicious, very rich and creamy, are great in baking.&nbsp; They have 9 grams of protein compared to 6 grams that a chicken egg has.&nbsp; They are also higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, and people who are allergic to chicken eggs, generally are able to tolerate duck eggs.&nbsp; Also depending on the breed of duck you have, they can lay year-round.&nbsp; Our ducks laid this past winter while our chickens did not.&nbsp; This allowed us to continue having eggs without having to buy any!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>6. Ducks live well with chickens and guineas.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">We decided to put our ducks in with our chickens and guineas.&nbsp; We did have to ease into this.&nbsp; We first put them into the run with the chickens, but not in the coop at night with them.&nbsp; The ducks had their own little home at night which was fine for the summer months, but we knew during the winter that we had to get them into the coop.&nbsp; Allowing them to ease into it, made all the difference.&nbsp; It did take a couple of months, but they are now living happily together<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>7. Ducks will always come home at night.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">When we first started taking the ducks to the pond, we thought we would have to go and get them to bring them back to the coop to keep them safe. &nbsp;We were shocked when on the first night as we walked out the back door to heard them back to safety, they already beat us to it. &nbsp;They had spent the day on the pond, enjoying the water and all the luscious berries, and grasses and bugs to eat. &nbsp;But as the sun started to go down, they made their way back to their home for the night. &nbsp;Every night since then, no matter where they might be in the yard, or even the field, when the sun starts to go down, they come home.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7cv_EWtW9w/VuGnUJxpkmI/AAAAAAAABkk/f983zuFGcok/s1600/Ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7cv_EWtW9w/VuGnUJxpkmI/AAAAAAAABkk/f983zuFGcok/s640/Ducks.jpg" title="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming home.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We lost one of our ducks.&nbsp; I’m not sure what happened to it, although we can all guess that it probably ended up as a scrumptious dinner for either a coyote or fox (we have both).&nbsp; We had lost chickens and guineas before like that, but it never bothered me knowing that is part of farm life.&nbsp; It bothered me losing a duck.&nbsp; I think of them more as pets than as a farm animals.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmbQb2y00TI/VuGnT1TbTkI/AAAAAAAABks/2kIQ08JSgT8/s1600/Ducks%2BPlaying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="404" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmbQb2y00TI/VuGnT1TbTkI/AAAAAAAABks/2kIQ08JSgT8/s640/Ducks%2BPlaying.JPG" title="7 Things I Have Learned About Having Ducks www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the pond.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This spring we have a chance to get more ducks and we have jumped at the chance!&nbsp; We love our ducks and are looking forward to getting more to add to our family.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Are you wondering about adding ducks to your farm?&nbsp; I would definitely say it is worth it.&nbsp; They are wonderful animals and even though they are a little work, they make our farm and our family a happier place.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Let me know in the comments below how you feel about ducks.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-1979115468258712162016-03-08T09:20:00.001-06:002016-03-08T09:20:57.371-06:00Happy National Pancake Day! (A Great Gluten-Free Recipe)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy National Pancake Day! &nbsp;In our family we love pancakes! &nbsp;Drew especially loves pancakes and asks for them every weekend for breakfast. &nbsp;We don't always get to eat them every weekend, but we do try and have them a couple of times a month. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYgJddVGLFE/Vt7p4OoJqeI/AAAAAAAABjw/8NugoAhJpzM/s1600/Pancake%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYgJddVGLFE/Vt7p4OoJqeI/AAAAAAAABjw/8NugoAhJpzM/s640/Pancake%2BTitle.jpg" title="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></div><br />When we can't have them for breakfast, we have no problem making them for dinner. &nbsp;They are an easy and quick meal to make and we try and balance out their cake-y goodness by adding in a protein and healthy fruit. &nbsp;For dinner, we try and make them more savory and still enjoy veggies on the side!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a little secret to share. &nbsp;When it comes to making plain old honest-to-goodness pancakes, Steve is the winner. &nbsp;Every time! &nbsp;His pancakes are truly the best and I have yet to be able to duplicate their fluffy, golden goodness. &nbsp;However, when it comes to flavored pancakes, I'm the winner! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought I would share with you a recipe for pancakes that is a little different. &nbsp;This is a gluten-free recipe. &nbsp;Most gluten-free pancake recipes use coconut flour, rice flour, or almond meal, but mine use something different...garbanzo bean flour!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yep, you read that right, garbanzo bean flour. &nbsp;It is one of the best flours I have used. &nbsp;You can substitute 7/8 of garbanzo bean flour for every 1 cup of wheat flour with the same results. &nbsp;That is almost a 1:1 ratio! &nbsp;That makes it very easy when it comes to subbing it for recipes. &nbsp;You can also use garbanzo bean flour in conjunction with other flours to make a gluten-free flour mixture.</div><div><br /></div><div>This flour works very well in cake and quick bread recipes. &nbsp;The first time I had this type of flour was when my friend Amy made a chocolate brownie, marshmallow, to die-for dessert! &nbsp;In fact she is the one that turned me on to this type of flour. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Never heard of this type of flour before? &nbsp;Ever heard of gram flour? &nbsp;It's the same thing! It is also known as chickpea flour. This type of flour is high in protein and fiber. And even though it has double (don't worry it still isn't that much) fat as whole wheat flour, 70% of the fat you find in this flour is from healthy unsaturated fats. &nbsp;Those are the kind that you want to help lower your cholesterol. &nbsp;It also is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, and copper.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>You can also use this type of flour to help thicken sauces and gravies. &nbsp;That is great when you are adhering to a gluten free diet. Ready for the recipe? &nbsp;Well here it is!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3z8vXsUcf8/Vt7p3mJ0ujI/AAAAAAAABjo/DJRO_Bbxa28/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3z8vXsUcf8/Vt7p3mJ0ujI/AAAAAAAABjo/DJRO_Bbxa28/s640/Ingredients.jpg" title="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another recipe with mainly pantry staples for ingredients. &nbsp;If you want to use regular flour feel free!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The ingredients you need are:<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 cups of garbanzo bean flour</li><li>3 teaspoons of baking powder</li><li>1 teaspoon of salt</li><li>1 tablespoon of sugar</li><li>1 cup of milk</li><li>2 eggs</li><li>1 teaspoon of vanilla</li></ul><div>First mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. &nbsp;In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients. I like to use my measuring cup to mix the wet ingredients together as you can see below.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uh4CGvPspo/Vt7p4wa2wVI/AAAAAAAABkI/X22IM7C_fLc/s1600/Wet%2Band%2BDry%2BIngredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uh4CGvPspo/Vt7p4wa2wVI/AAAAAAAABkI/X22IM7C_fLc/s640/Wet%2Band%2BDry%2BIngredients.jpg" title="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet and dry ingredients</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Next add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. &nbsp;You really don't want to over mix this just as you would a normal pancake recipe.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTCR6TeVQ78/Vt7p3r3YcII/AAAAAAAABkI/Qo5yb7aqzxk/s1600/Batter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTCR6TeVQ78/Vt7p3r3YcII/AAAAAAAABkI/Qo5yb7aqzxk/s640/Batter.jpg" title="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients all incorporated</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Place the batter on a hot griddle. &nbsp;You can use whatever you like to grease the griddle, butter, coconut oil, olive oil. I use whatever I have on hand. &nbsp;I also use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to measure out my batter so that the pancakes are roughly the same size.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itdeCWsJQV8/Vt7p3i9pHgI/AAAAAAAABkI/pLL2TXJQo04/s1600/Cooking%2Bon%2Bthe%2BGriddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itdeCWsJQV8/Vt7p3i9pHgI/AAAAAAAABkI/pLL2TXJQo04/s640/Cooking%2Bon%2Bthe%2BGriddle.jpg" title="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to flip!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Cook them until they have bubbles and the outer edges are starting to dry out, like the picture above. Then flip to the other side.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABMJt0q3Kuo/Vt7p4UUidNI/AAAAAAAABkI/2Osoyo_ehMM/s1600/Pancakes%2Bon%2Bthe%2BGriddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABMJt0q3Kuo/Vt7p4UUidNI/AAAAAAAABkI/2Osoyo_ehMM/s640/Pancakes%2Bon%2Bthe%2BGriddle.jpg" title="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful golden brown!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Cook for an additional 30 seconds to a minute and then remove. &nbsp;These pancakes cook up so nice and have a gorgeous golden brown color.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzCfUPpTdC4/Vt7p4tAHa5I/AAAAAAAABkI/IekBaYjIx6c/s1600/Short%2BStack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzCfUPpTdC4/Vt7p4tAHa5I/AAAAAAAABkI/IekBaYjIx6c/s640/Short%2BStack.jpg" title="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mouth is watering!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>The only thing that I would add to this recipe is a little cinnamon. &nbsp;I did not add that to my recipe because I know not everyone likes cinnamon. &nbsp;I did sprinkle some on top after the fact and it was ah-ma-zing!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7cMS7XeMEM/Vt7p4XhpttI/AAAAAAAABkI/4OFPyTtIYNs/s1600/Ready%2Bfor%2Ba%2BBite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7cMS7XeMEM/Vt7p4XhpttI/AAAAAAAABkI/4OFPyTtIYNs/s640/Ready%2Bfor%2Ba%2BBite.jpg" title="Gluten Free Pancakes www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for a bite!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>These pancakes are so easy to make and so delicious! &nbsp;They would also be scrumptious with chocolate chips or blueberries added. &nbsp;My kids loved them and I didn't mention the fact that they were gluten free, OR that they were made from beans!</div><div><br /></div><div>Want a clean copy of the recipe to print out? &nbsp;Click <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/hensleefarmadventures/gluten-free-pancakes?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Need a great and economical syrup recipe for your pancakes? &nbsp;Then visit my post on <b>how to make your own <a href="http://www.hensleefarmadventures.com/2015/07/throw-back-thursday-homemade-pancake.html" target="_blank">pancake syrup</a>. </b>&nbsp;It is yummy and not too sweet!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Don't have time to make pancakes? &nbsp;Then you are in luck! <b>&nbsp;Today IHOP is giving away one free short stack of Buttermilk Pancakes per customer. &nbsp;</b>You can find out more information <a href="http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you used garbanzo bean flour before? &nbsp;Let me know in the comments below! &nbsp;I would love to hear your stories!!</div></div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080334410696454923.post-21752877544090209962016-03-03T08:00:00.000-06:002016-03-03T08:00:16.675-06:00Throw Back Thursday Recipe: Quick Egg Custard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rt4ohLefJRI/VtevdCJTSoI/AAAAAAAABik/PJxt30nrjTw/s1600/Quick%2BEgg%2BCustard%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rt4ohLefJRI/VtevdCJTSoI/AAAAAAAABik/PJxt30nrjTw/s400/Quick%2BEgg%2BCustard%2BTitle.jpg" title="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="400" /></a></div><br />Growing up, we had dessert almost every night. &nbsp;It could be something as extravagant as a rich chocolate cake, or something as simple as fruit. &nbsp;One of the easy desserts that my mom would make would be a quick egg custard. &nbsp;It was a dessert that my dad loved so she tried to make it for him whenever she could.<br /><br />When I was little I really didn't care for egg custard. &nbsp;I think it was more about the texture than the taste. &nbsp;But as I got older, I grew to love it. <br /><br />When I was 20 years old, I had my tonsils out. &nbsp;I remember people saying how I would be able to eat all the ice cream I wanted. After the surgery, I was in more pain than I had ever been in up until that time. &nbsp;I was looking forward to eating ice cream, but the first time I took a bite, the cold hurt my throat to the point I couldn't eat it at all! &nbsp;What I realized was that both cold and hot food hurt my throat. &nbsp;Also I couldn't swallow. &nbsp;I had to find something that would slide easily down my throat.<br /><br />I went a couple of days without eating because of the pain, and my mom knew she needed to do something to get some nourishment in me. &nbsp;She decided to make an egg custard. &nbsp;Once it had cooled to room temperature, I was able to eat it. &nbsp;It had protein I needed as well as some nutrients and the best part was that I was able to let it just slide down. <br /><br />To this day, I love egg custard and enjoy eating it as a special treat. &nbsp;However I will never forget the time that it was the only thing that I could eat.<br /><br />So let me share my mom's recipe with &nbsp;you so that you too can enjoy this special dessert.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JW3cnfhKIBc/VtevdltJFzI/AAAAAAAABio/VLp6ohmTluE/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JW3cnfhKIBc/VtevdltJFzI/AAAAAAAABio/VLp6ohmTluE/s640/Ingredients.jpg" title="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love it when the ingredients are made up of pantry staples!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><b>Ingredients</b><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 1/2 cups of milk&nbsp;</li><li>4 eggs</li><li>1/2 cup sugar</li><li>1 teaspoon of vanilla</li><li>pinch of salt</li><li>nutmeg</li></ul><div>As you can see, there aren't a lot of ingredients needed for the recipe. &nbsp;And I always have these items on hand in my pantry! &nbsp;I love recipes that have simple ingredients and nothing fancy!</div><div><br /></div><div>First you need to preheat the oven to 475°F. &nbsp;This is important to have a preheated oven!</div><div><br /></div><div>Next you will need to scald the milk over medium heat. &nbsp;Scalding is heating the milk till it is almost to the point of boiling. &nbsp;Just make sure that you don't let it boil!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2z-a4RIqmTs/VtevvtxENSI/AAAAAAAABi4/U-uTX7c-Tl8/s1600/Scalded%2BMilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scalded milk for Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2z-a4RIqmTs/VtevvtxENSI/AAAAAAAABi4/U-uTX7c-Tl8/s640/Scalded%2BMilk.jpg" title="Scalded Milk for Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used to think that scalded milk meant it was burnt!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>While you are heating the milk, beat the eggs and add in the pinch of salt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the milk is scalded, add a little of the milk to the eggs in order to temper them. &nbsp;Tempering allows the temperature of the eggs to rise to meet the temperature of the milk. &nbsp;If you didn't do this, then you would end up with scrambled eggs!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5LZH2eHqGw/VtevytpW4YI/AAAAAAAABi8/IpfTWKkj4-4/s1600/Tempering%2BEggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5LZH2eHqGw/VtevytpW4YI/AAAAAAAABi8/IpfTWKkj4-4/s640/Tempering%2BEggs.jpg" title="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My trusty mixing bowl. &nbsp;It is almost 20 years old!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>When you have tempered the eggs, mix together all ingredients. &nbsp;Pour into an oven safe dish and sprinkle with nutmeg.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwexKfdLvzs/Vtevs-2NfZI/AAAAAAAABi0/J6uIO-r9j4Y/s1600/Ready%2Bfor%2BOven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwexKfdLvzs/Vtevs-2NfZI/AAAAAAAABi0/J6uIO-r9j4Y/s640/Ready%2Bfor%2BOven.jpg" title="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ready for the oven!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Bake at 475°F for 5 minutes. &nbsp;Turn temperature down to 425°F and bake for 10 minutes. &nbsp;Then turn temperature back up to 475°F and bake for 10 minutes. &nbsp;Then turn temperature down to 425°F and bake for the last 10 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cnW7dcfvC0/Vtevf07x0ZI/AAAAAAAABis/Mzil0xBZh_8/s1600/Quick%2BEgg%2BCustard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cnW7dcfvC0/Vtevf07x0ZI/AAAAAAAABis/Mzil0xBZh_8/s640/Quick%2BEgg%2BCustard.jpg" title="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the golden color of the custard!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Remove from oven and let cool. &nbsp;Then enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2uSn5JWN3g/Vtevpi46iKI/AAAAAAAABiw/yvX8DJL3I3c/s1600/Ready%2Bto%2BEat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2uSn5JWN3g/Vtevpi46iKI/AAAAAAAABiw/yvX8DJL3I3c/s640/Ready%2Bto%2BEat.jpg" title="Quick Egg Custard www.HensleeFarmAdventures.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I need is a spoon!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>This dessert really does bring back memories for me. &nbsp;Good memories. &nbsp;Not only did my mom make this recipe, but my grandmother as well. &nbsp;In fact when I was making the recipe for this post, just the smell of it brought memories of my childhood back to me. &nbsp;I was almost transported back to my mom's kitchen as a young girl. &nbsp;I love it when food can do that!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that you try this out and please let me know in the comments what you think.</div><div><br /></div><br />Want the printed version of the recipe? &nbsp;Then click <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/hensleefarmadventures/quick-egg-custard?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>Holli_Hensleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334289539821458415noreply@blogger.com0